I remember driving down the Pacific Coast Highway with the windows rolled down and the car radio blasting at full volume, listening to Flipturn’s 2022 debut album “Shadowglow.” The up-and-coming indie band captivated me with their dreamy, surf-rock sound. Its soft lyrics about self-discovery and the ups and downs of relationships struck a chord with me. When the band released its second album, “Burnout Days,” on Jan. 24, I jumped at the chance to listen and reimmerse myself in high school nostalgia.
Though retaining some of Flipturn’s signature indie rock sound, “Burnout Days” was a surprising departure from its typical acoustics, representing a clear evolution in the band’s musical style. Following its rise to fame with “Shadowglow,” Flipturn spent two years touring and making countless festival appearances, which prompted the band’s members to reconsider the future of their music and careers. “Burnout Days” reflects on the band’s difficult experiences while embracing vulnerability, highlighting the need to adapt to the unpredictable paths of life.
From the first track, “Juno,” the listener is met with a bold shift in tone from “Shadowglow.” The track opens with a repetitive, electronic and synth-like sound that smoothly transitions into a more upbeat mood, setting the stage for the rest of the album. Songs like “Inner Wave” and “Reason to Pretend” lean more heavily into rock influences compared to the ambient, dream-like sounds of “Shadowglow.” As opposed to sticking to its first album’s subtlety and contemplation, the band draws on the more high-energy side of rock through powerful sounds, incorporating louder guitar riffs and booming drums. The transitions between moods on this album are more dynamic and daring, yet still undeniably characteristic of Flipturn.
The lyrics throughout “Burnout Days” explore themes of love, introspection, passion and the eventual burnout that comes from pushing yourself too hard for too long. “Rodeo Clown,” the album’s second track, encapsulates these feelings and the need to manage expectations. The chorus — “I’ve been feeling the weight of everything / Yeah, babe, I hold it down” — captures the internal struggle of balancing external pressures with personal emotions. Throughout the album, we gain an intimate glimpse into the band’s psyche, as many of the tracks reflect the sense of entrapment and confusion that comes with being in your 20s.
It is clear that Flipturn’s music is crafted with live performance in mind. Tracks like “Sunlight” build to a suspenseful climax as the electric guitar’s chords gradually intensify in the song’s first 30 seconds, creating a palpable sense of anticipation. It’s easy to imagine a crowd holding their breath, waiting for the moment the beat finally drops, as the energy of both the music and lyrics swell together.
The album’s standout is “Swim Between Trees,” a love song about growing up with someone and the deep adoration that comes from sharing a life with the people you love. Opening with a smooth guitar melody, the track transitions into lyrics: “The day I learned your tune, I knew / I’d never hum another” and “My mind’s a river draped with leaves / And you’re still swimming through the trees.” These poetic lines, full of rich imagery, provide a perfect contrast to the high-energy tracks that dominate the album. It’s a soothing and calming moment amidst the chaos, reminding listeners of love’s warmth.
Whether you’re an indie-pop enthusiast or a ’90s-rock lover, there’s a track for everyone on “Burnout Days.” The album’s catchy melodies and infectious guitar riffs transport me to sunnier, simpler days in my hometown. Until we can switch our winter coats for swimsuits, the constant hum of Manhattan’s streets will have to do, with “Burnout Days” bringing all the nostalgic, small-town vibes to the big city.
Contact Maya Santiago at [email protected].