Flashing Lights: Two Perspectives

‘The interview

These are exciting times to be a Flashing Light.

I managed to catch up with the Toronto-based band at Cedar’s Eatery on Thursday, prior to their Prince Edward Island debut. Actually, as Henri Sangalang noted, it was the premiere for this particular incarnation of the Flashing Lights.

“We started as a sixties cover-band, and we played in the Barn back then,” said Sangalang. The days as a cover-band long gone, the group has retained its six- ties stylings, and are now making waves across Canada and beyond ' with their soulful rock sounds. And heck, they’re still playing in the Barn.

“We just did music for a documentary about Todd MacFarlane who drew Spawn and Spiderman back in the day,” noted guitarist and lead singer Matt Murphy, “and we recorded ‘Raise A Little Hell’ by Trooper [for an upcoming Trooper tribute album].”

“Which we are mighty proud of,” interjected Gaven Dianda, organist and tabourine master.

With one full length album, Where The Change Is, under their belt, the group recently released a four song EP. The album, which is being released in Europe in January, has won many fans for the band.

Showcased on CBC radio and campus stations across

Canada, it has led to touring across* *

the country, as well as the occa- sional dip into the United States. The band is hopeful that the January release will lead to a

European tour. -Ryan O Connor

The Shew

Last Thursday night at the Barn The Flashing Lights provided a musical revue that transcended time.

The Flashing Lights remain true to the spirit of 1960’s British Invasion rock and soul without sounding the least bit retro. In per- formance, Matt Murphy avoids coming across as a mod rock poser because he finds the essence of the music he loves and combines it with his gift for catchy riffs and melodies. The result of these two things is a deeply entertaining experience which is enhanced by the energy and excitement of his band.

When they took the stage of the Barn on Thursday, the Flashing Lights filled the building with clas- sic rock and roll, and good vibra- tions. On-stage antics included Murphy balancing on a barrier and leaping over monitors, organist, Gaven Dianda, smashing a tam- bourine, and an extended encore that shook the dance floor well into the night.

Thanks to their high octane performance and finely crafted songs, The Flashing Lights did not need to impersonate bands like The Who, or the Kinks to bridge the gap between music of the 1960’s and today. Perhaps the reason they sound like they are from another time period is because they sound good, while the majority of their contemporaries do not.

-Stephan MacLeod

’ ENTER THE TAINMENT | WR

saba's Lounge live music 5 nights a week

student night e

trivia every sunday ( with Don MaePherson eau By

Showing at City Cinema

this week

Croupier and Color of Paradise

Times and Descriptions at www.citycinema.net 368-3669

peta ett lB October 25

PU eT Octoher 26

Friday, October 27

SPE October 28

STITT Octoher 29

wT EB October 30

TTP October 31

THE EWENT TENT

MRR

Baba’s Lounge: Jeff Morris Band Myron’s: Big Tilda

Baba’s Lounge: Downtime

Brennan’s: Black Suit

Myron’s: The Posterboys/Poppa Shine Olde Dublin Pub: Boys Next Door Panther Lounge: Halloween pub with Fly Jimmy Swift

Baba’s Lounge: Christina & Sonic Roots Brennan’s: Groove Gurus

Panther Lounge: Downtime

Olde Dublin Pub: Boys Next Door

Baba’s Lounge: Mitch Schurman Band Brennan’s: The Dogs

Myron’s: Fiddler s Sons

Olde Dublin Pub: Boys Next Door Panther Lounge: Groove Gurus

Baba’s Lounge: Eyes for Telescopes

Brennan’s: Groove Gurus aes The it i