Flashguns – Timehouse Blue

There was a time around the end of the 90s that any band emerging from Manchester were viewed with wary, cynical eyes after the renaissance of the Madchester period had hit its moneyspun peak. Similarly, it seems the words “Brighton-based” can evoke the same scepticism nowadays. This is Brighton-based band Flashguns' debut release into an already overcrowded British indie scene. Sadly, suspicions are realised as, despite the chaotic tempo and muddled arrangement, they struggle to shake off echoes of the Kooks. Kids will wear their badges on their school uniform blazers – but only until the next band fights for that space on their lapel. [Neil Walker]