We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Chewing Gum for the Ears

by The Flex

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £5 GBP  or more

     

  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    LP with insert on Blue Vinyl

    Includes unlimited streaming of Chewing Gum for the Ears via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 5 days

      £15 GBP or more 

     

1.
Warboy 01:52
2.
Inferno 01:41
3.
4.
Lost Cause 01:23
5.
6.
Soma Holiday 02:12
7.
Flex IV 01:51
8.
9.
Stranger 01:21
10.

about

Ten years is a lifetime in Hardcore Punk. A band’s ability to traverse such a lengthy stay is a testament to their dedication to this thing of ours, which in and of itself is commendable. Remaining sonically relevant, and engaging ever younger audiences, is another beast altogether, and a far more difficult feat to achieve. Somehow, The Flex have managed both. Not only are they the defining band of the New Wave of British Hardcore movement of the 2010’s, not to mention the last band from this original wave still left (“Last Ones Left” indeed) but they continue to trudge on with unrelenting power, orchestrating live madness wherever they roll through.

Chewing Gum For The Ears is the most perfect illustration of the bands raw power to date. From the opening chords of “Warboy”, it is clear that The Flex formula remains unchanged: the vitriol of Boston 82, the lumber and swagger of mid to late 80’s NYHC, the monotone thud of UK82 and the blistering urgency of 90’s Japanese d-beat. A perfectly seamless blend of their influences, the highlights on this LP are too prevalent to list, with CGFTE earning the rare accolade of a no-skips-certified-banger. “Inferno” might hold the greatest up-tempo mosh part since Antidote’s “Foreign Job Lot”, sans the crummy political baggage. Beechwood Terrace starts off sounding like Oi! on steroids before degenerating into an Impact Unit style frenzy, and the title track “Chewing Gum for the Ears” (aka “The Herd” of 2022), begins with an Outburst style intro and develops into an anthem that ensures this LP finishes in the most appropriate of fashions.

However, it is the growth on display which is most astounding; a track like “Stranger” sees the band sounding like a British Death Side, while the drum-and-bass call and response, during the song’s closing mosh part, reveals a level of musicality few bands can match. These nuances add a level of intensity and urgency which propels Chewing Gum For The Ears above their previous output, making this their most concise and crucial release to date.

Sonically, James Atkinson of Voorhees and Gentlemen’s Pistols fame, has captured the band’s sound perfectly; all trebly buzzsaw guitars, guttural vocals, and a perfectly tight rhythm section, whilst Tin Savage’s ever excellent art ensures a level of visual consistency that few bands are able to maintain. I finish on these two points for an important reason, The Flex have understood the assignment; produce an LP that looks and sounds like everyone’s favourite UKHC band, whilst pushing themselves to the limits of their impressive technical range and sophisticated palate. LS4 still kicking in your door.

Words: Nick Sarnella

credits

released April 29, 2022

Hardcore punk music by THE FLEX
Liam Fox - Sam Laycock - Andy Jones - David Egan - Tom Pimlott
Recorded 24-26/1/2020
Recorded by JAMES ATKINSON at THE STATIONHOUSE in LEEDS
Mixed by CHRIS CORRY at the PAINCAVE
Mastered by WILL KILLINGSWORTH at DEADAIR STUDIOS
Featuring illustrations by TIN SAVAGE
Principal photography by NOAH RINGROSE
Released in the UK and EUROPE by STATIC SHOCK RECORDS
Released in THE USA by LOCKIN’ OUT RECORDS

license

all rights reserved

tags

If you like The Flex, you may also like: