Secret Mission (2019)
Over the last couple of years, Secret Mission records has been giving me a real education. I have often felt that I was reasonably tied in to Japanese punk rock. At least more so than your average bear here in America. Yet with release after release, Secret Mission drops a band I have never heard of into my lap. Flashlights are another great one to add to the list. This album originally came out in 2016 on Stay Free records in Japan. That is a label that I know as the band Three Minute Movie put out a couple of records on Stay Free. But it makes it all the more perplexing that I haven't heard of Flashlights before popping this on the turntable.
Anyway, this is fast and jangly power pop at its very best. Sonically, I think they are somewhat similar to Ron Ron Clou, though probably leaning a little poppier and less of that punky energy that Ron Ron Clou harnesses so well. That said, the pop that Flashlights churn out is pretty perfect. Wonderful harmonies wrap themselves around the band's hooks and really elevate the proceedings.
Top to bottom, Shadows and Lights is a fun listen. Perfect for a sunny weekend morning while you are kicking around the house, not really wanting to do much other than take in the tunes and relax.
Flashlights - Shadows and Lights:
https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/shadows-and-lights
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