Flatlined, Deaf Leading the Blind, CD Review

It’s been a rough day for music reviews. I’ve sampled over 100 tunes and haven’t quite found the standout material I’m looking for. Tired and broken, I put in Flatlined’s CD, Deaf Leading the Blind. My day just got better. A solid collection of extremely well-performed alt-rock songs with a hint of pop-sensibility, Deaf Leading the Blind blows away everything else I’ve listened to in a while.

Opening up the aurally pleasing 15-song collection is the title track to the album. It kicks off with a powerfully upbeat, lyrically creative, and instrumentally tight performance by the band. “Deaf Leading the Blind,” is a great song. It’s certainly one of my favorites on the disc.

Another solidly-crafted song is “Colours on the Floor.” As it is throughout all the songs on this disc, the band’s instrumental performance is stellar, and Stonos’ vocals are riveting.

Every song on Deaf Leading the Blind is incredibly strong and likeable. Most of them are fast and delivered with well-produced rock intensity. There are a handful of slower songs, such as “Drowning” and “A Question of Autumn,” that are injected into the collection. Don’t worry. This band can rock out the slow tunes as well.

Flatlined demonstrates many great qualities on their CD, Deaf Leading the Blind. Most impressive, among many other positives, is the skill of the band. Wes Stonos belts out vocals that are amazingly strong, identifiable, and effective. Drummer Brad McNeil frequently impresses me with his ability to tightly hold the groove together while injecting some cleverly placed technical fills. Jimi Battle, the guitarist of the group, can tear some riffs up. His tone is excellent, and his playing makes me wanna brush up on my chops a bit. Holding down the low end is bassist Chris Fraser. He does a stellar job of doubling some complex riffs and keeping up with the band’s many changes. Deaf Leading the Blind is also a well-recorded and mastered CD. It sounds phenomenal.

Flatlined’s vocals, instrumentalism, and professional sound are far above many of the bands I’ve heard. Their CD, Deaf Leading the Blind, is a showcase of pure talent by a rock band that’s sure to go far. We recommend you take a listen.

Artist Website: www.myspace.com/flatlinedband