Release Date: July 19, 2024
Rating: 7.5/10
Flat Black’s sophomore effort, Dark Side of the Brain, delivers a compelling blend of aggression, introspection, and technical finesse that showcases the band’s evolution while staying true to their hard rock roots. Produced with a sharp edge and a clear focus on thematic cohesion, the album carves a niche in the modern rock landscape with its dark tones and layered instrumentation.
The opening track, “Fractured Reality,” sets the tone with thunderous guitar riffs and pulsating drums, encapsulating the album’s thematic exploration of mental struggle and self-discovery. Lead vocalist Chris Johnson’s gritty delivery adds emotional weight, drawing listeners into the album’s introspective core.
Tracks like “Echo Chamber” and “Blind Horizon” highlight Flat Black’s knack for dynamic arrangements. Shifting between soaring choruses and subdued verses, these songs create a sense of tension and release that keeps the listener engaged. The guitar work, in particular, stands out—balancing intricate solos with crushing rhythm sections.
The centerpiece, “Neural Maze,” is a six-minute odyssey that merges progressive elements with raw emotion. This track exemplifies the band’s willingness to push boundaries, experimenting with unconventional time signatures and atmospheric interludes that elevate the album’s narrative depth.
1. IT’S OK TO BE ANGRY
2. JUSTICE WILL BE DONE
3. SIDEWAYS
4. A BIT OF LIGHTNING
5. UNWANTED
6. HOME
7. HALO
8. IT’S YOUR LACK OF RESPECT
9. NOTHING TO SOME (FEAT. COREY TAYLOR)
10. DARK SIDE OF THE BRAIN
11. VILLAIN
12. YOUTH ‘N EYES
13. TIDAL WAVE
14. LET IT GO
15. IT’S OK TO BE ANGRY (Live From Edmonton)
16. A BIT OF LIGHTNING (Live From Edmonton)
17. HOME (Live From Edmonton)
18. IT’S YOUR LACK OF RESPECT (Live From Edmonton)
However, the album isn’t without its shortcomings. While Flat Black excels at crafting powerful anthems, some tracks, such as “Shadow Circuit,” feel repetitive, lacking the same innovation found elsewhere. Additionally, the album’s darker tone, while effective, occasionally leans into melodrama, which can detract from its overall impact.
The closing track, “Ascend,” offers a hauntingly beautiful resolution. Stripped-down and emotionally charged, it provides a poignant contrast to the album’s heavier moments, leaving a lasting impression.
Dark Side of the Brain is an ambitious and well-crafted record that demonstrates Flat Black’s growth as a band. Though not without minor flaws, its bold approach and emotional depth make it a worthy addition to their catalog. Fans of modern rock and those seeking music with both edge and heart will find much to appreciate here.
Highlights: “Neural Maze,” “Echo Chamber,” “Ascend”
Rating: 7.5/10
