Flickerstick reunites and releases new album, their best yet
Fort Worth’s well-known psychedelic pop-rock ensemble, Flickerstick, has recently unveiled its latest and most distinguished record, Superluminal. The album, now accessible across all major music platforms, celebrates its release on November 7. To mark the occasion, Flickerstick will be gracing the stage at the Granada Theater on November 29 for a lively record release bash, joined by Rosegarden Funeral Party as openers.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene, Flickerstick, alongside the likes of Tripping Daisy, Toadies, and Drowning Pool, stands out as one of the few lasting rock bands representing the city. Their music captures a unique era in DFW history when fervor for Deep Ellum’s music scene was at a peak, resonating with a raw, organic energy amidst an audience genuinely hungry for the sounds of the region. Alongside other influential bands of the time like Hi-Fi Drowning, Chomsky, and Doosu, Flickerstick bolstered a live music culture that packed Deep Ellum’s clubs with a stylish, young crowd, adorned in vintage attire, sipping on vodka Red Bulls, and singing along passionately. Singer Brandin Lea’s calls to support local talents post-show played a pivotal role in advancing Dallas bands towards prized record deals with major labels.
Having conquered a VH1 reality show and securing a record deal with Sony/Epic Records in 2001, Flickerstick soared to popularity with their album “Welcoming Home the Astronauts”, helmed by Todd Pipes of Deep Blue Something. The album’s success was fueled by remarkable synergy between guitar harmonies and synthesizers, anchored by infectious vocal hooks epitomized by the hit single, “Beautiful.” Unfortunately, the band’s major tour in 2001 faced adversity when they found themselves onstage in New York City on the tragic day of September 11.
In the midst of the music industry turbulence of the early 2000s, Flickerstick survived the storm, birthing their subsequent full-length record, “Tarantula”, in 2004 under Dallas-based Idol Records. While “Welcoming Home the Astronauts” boasted polish and melody, “Tarantula” embraced a gritty, intense edge, reflective of the band’s evolution. Following several tours post-“Tarantula” and changes within the lineup, Flickerstick disbanded in 2007, branching off into diverse musical ventures. Brandin Lea initiated “Jetta in the Ghost Tree” as his solo career took off.
Despite the band’s hiatus, 2022 witnessed a miraculous reunion of Flickerstick’s original lineup, headlining two sold-out shows at Dallas’s House of Blues. Surrounded by unwavering support from fans and industry comrades, a fresh chapter emerged with the introduction of new band members. The subsequent release of the single “Shine On” marked Flickerstick’s resurgence, subsequent to rumors of an impending full-length album, ultimately giving rise to “Superluminal”.
“Superluminal” encapsulates Flickerstick’s musical maturity, boasting eleven tracks that radiate sophistication, intricate composition, embracing engaging hooks, textured soundscapes, and poignant lyrics. The album stands out as a crowning creative achievement, reflecting the band’s growth, craft, and undeniable passion. Notable tracks like “Champagne Lips,” “Diver,” and “Lonely Girl” are bound to evoke a chorus of fervor from loyal fans. In essence, “Superluminal” showcases Flickerstick’s extraordinary songwriting prowess and musicianship, affirming their return to the limelight with a stellar and long-overdue musical offering.