Reviewed by Steve Best

Although the cover suggests that this might be a rave-fest, Flow turn out to be a five piece guitar driven band from the Thames Valley area, with a healthy fan base and a number of recent festival appearances under their belts to back up regular shows in the south of England. This six track EP was produced by Dave Pick - best known for his association with Eden Burning -at ffg studios, and the Eden connection continues, since Flow have toured as their support. This is a very impressive package, the sound having that jangly guitar quality that is very reminiscent of bands like the Cranberries, although I detected a vague similarity to an 80s band called the Passions in there somewhere. Flow use some very juicy chord sequences throughout most noticeably on the gorgeous "Climb". My favourite was the acoustic "The Sun Goes Down". The message isn't overt but Flow will have no trouble attracting the secular music fan on this evidence. Looks good, sounds great, but just one gripe: no mention of the line up, so the excellent female vocalist, whoever she is, will have to remain, for now, anonymous. Ah well, good for the humility, I suppose.

Also reviewed in CR35:
Until recently those of us with a taste for more alternative music have mostly had to look to our cousins from across the pond to find truly world class talents, particularly if partial to the digital format. This release is one of an increasing number to herald an end to this state of affairs, and satisfy those with a penchant for Brit pop. I lent this one to a friend at work and their comment was, That's good, I'm sure I've heard it on the radio." I guess that could be taken to reflect on it's originality, but it does give you an idea of how quickly these songs seem familiar. Despite protestations to the contrary in their interview in CR, Brit pop is certainly the description that springs to mind here, with the guitars recalling several chart acts. "Zion" stretches the mould a little, starting with a Soul To Soul beat before taking on a head-to-the-sky Celtic rock hue. Not particularly explicit lyrics, but their faith is there if you take the time to look. The hooks occasionally sound a mite similar, but they are pretty catchy, nevertheless. As the interview suggested, this may be one to file under F, between your Elastica and Garbage CDs, but you're likely to be taking it off the shelf quite a lot.
8 squares
James Lewis

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