An interestingly compelling album from Florida’s Flagship Romance, Tales From The Self-Help Section is a low-key but powerful gathering of twelve songs that explore love, life and trying to cope in an uncertain time and place.  The production on this album is beyond stellar; the performances are moving and everything simply works to the maximum.

The opening track “Friends” is a perfect example – starting quietly with acoustic guitars and vocals, the song builds up to soulful heights and is filled with weighty emotion; “Growing Up So Fast” is sweet and thoughtful and lush – this is what “acoustic pop” should sound like.  The warm and upbeat feel of “Caught Up” has a spot-on vocal harmony and “If I Can’t Break Your Heart” with its country flavor is stunningly beautiful.  “Life Is A Song” is definitely the “radio single” and again, having a country texture makes this a standout (listen to the pedal steel runs); “Scare Yourself” is the other radio-ready number – something you can drive down the highway, blasting and “Nemesis” is a throwback to the Nashville of old with its muted banjo and again, an on-the-one harmony.

It’s always uplifting to hear something new and fresh – and certainly Flagship Romance have that.  Their sound, their delivery – their songs are to be marveled at and taken in for the long run.  Another act that I do hope can continue to produce fine and highly personal work.

Tales From The Self-Help Section is currently available

https://www.flagshipromance.com/

Album Reviews, Music

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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