For way too many years, The Flatliners have been one of punk’s most underrated and overlooked bands. Formed in 2002—which, lest we forget, is 20 years ago now—they’ve been putting out consistently great albums since 2005, and are set to release their sixth full-length, New Ruin, in August. That they found the time is impressive given that frontman Chris Cresswell became a member of punk veterans Hot Water Music in 2017.
But the Canadian four-piece from Richmond Hill, Ontario did find the time, and the latest single is a marvelously catchy and anthemic slice of melancholy-yet-feel-good nostalgia. It arrives with a visual that serves as a companion piece to the video for previous single “Performative Hours,” and takes place at the funeral of the talk show host star of that video. And while that doesn’t have anything particularly do to with the song itself, it certainly adds an extra dimension of meaning when you consider Cresswell’s explanation of the song.
“The mind is such a powerful thing—for better or for worse—and this song comes straight from the deep pit anxiety can dig with its help,” he says. “When a moment’s hesitation can send one spiraling, when the smallest task can stand in the way, when you find it in a place you least expect it, like a souvenir stuffed deep in your drawer, you can let it wash over you or try your best to will it away. ‘Souvenir’ is about finding your footing, even when the ground beneath you can only crumble.”
Watch the video below, pre-order New Ruin here, and see the band’s upcoming tour dates here.
