Review: Romeo Flynns "Masque of Anarchy"

We last heard from Detriot's power pop trio, The Romeo Flynns, back in 2008 (see our review of "Pictures of You" here). "Pictures of You" was a concept album of sorts that focused on a relationship that went south. Now the Flynns are back with another concept album of sorts, "Masque of Anarchy", one that focuses on an economy gone south. Like concept albums tend to do, they beat a dead horse, but "Masque of Anarchy" (named after the famous 17th century poem by Percy Shelly) shows some big strides in the band's growth both musically and lyrically. The sophomore effort is wider in scope, deeper in its meaning, and a more dynamic, entertaining listen.

If there is one thing you can't knock the Flynns for...it is STYLE. Just like "Pictures of You", "Masque of Anarchy" is so rock star in its artwork and packaging. These guys got the look and attitude that just screams "we're ready for the big time". But this time the boys show they not only have style, but they got substance. While there is still some room for improvement, "Masque of Anarchy" towers above the debut in that the melodies are stronger, the band is tighter, and the singer has found his comfort zone.

The Romeo Flynns continue to write songs that merge classic 60s British Invasion songwriting structure with the signature rock sound of the Motor City. All of the songs are generally good, but there are some that really stand out as potential hits...if not of today, they surely would have been back in the 80s. The title track is the best track and this ultra catchy number gets things moving quick on a high note. "Dance The White Line" and "That Ain't The Motor City" both have an early Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers feel. The band shows some new strong suits in the Byrds-like "Falling Down" and the aching acoustic ballad "Annie", but prove they can still bring the house down with crunchy rockers like "Not Your Style" and "I Got My Eye On You", which is one of a few tracks that incorporate some blazing sax that sounds surprisingly at home among these pop rock nuggets. The CD closes strong with the powerful "Poor Man's Paradise" and epic "Don't Leave Me Now". Finally, there's two covers thrown in for good measure this time around, "Baby Blue" by Badfinger and "Lucifer", a deep track from the Bob Seger catalogue.

Check out Romeo Flynns if you like The Knack, Cheap Trick, or 80s-era Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13

Romeo Flynns on MySpace. Official site.

Review: The Romeo Flynns “Pictures of You”

The Romeo Flynns have pulled out all the stops with their debut release, a concept album of sorts dedicated to musing over the universal but tired question: why did you leave me? The CD is surrounded by professional looking art, models without pants, and sleek packaging. They got thick riffs, a good dose of harmony, a dash of sax, and a knack for melody that mostly turns this "woe is me" record into a party.

The Romeo Flynns state (warn us?) right up front with the diner dialogue in track 1 that we will be flies on the wall listening to this guy come to grips with losing his gal. This kind of stuff is OK for a few tunes, but a whole record dedicated to this soap opera? It certainly has its moments, but many listeners are going to find the songs tedious, with their redundant themes and one too many choruses wearing out their welcome. At times, you’ll wish you could just reach out, slap the guy, and yell, “Get over it, dude!"

There are some noteworthy elements about this band, the first being their winning ability to make modern pop rock that wonderfully emulates 50s and 60s music without sounding like they are ripping it off (check out "Gonna Feel Alright"). Some parts of the tunes are bursting with musical instincts as sharp as The Dave Clark Five, The Knack, or The Romantics. The interlacing themes between the songs, as well as the dramatic flair the orchestration brings, reminded me of classic Meatloaf. But at the end of the day, about half the songs could not hold my attention (some of which demand nearly 5 minutes worth) and the vocals grate on me when he reaches for the higher register, which he does way too often. Songs like "A Better Man Than Me" are heartbreaking...great songwriting, played to perfection, but the vocals kill it for me. The sappy and slow "Every Time We Part" and "Something About Her" stick out as the two sore thumbs and are out of character with the other tunes.

“Pictures of You” is one of those musical sandwiches, with the meat in the middle. Standout tracks include the punchy "Wasting My Heart", which is followed by the equally peppy "Just Fade Away." I also enjoyed "Won't Pass This Way Again", which reminds me of the 70s pop gem "Seasons In The Sun" by Terry Jacks. The Romeos also pull off an electrifying cover of "Better Things" originally done by The Kinks in 1981. It is a healthy way to end the record.

Recording this record was probably very therapeutic for the writer, but did it win back the girl? My guess is no…but I trust they will win some fans.

iPOD-worthy: 8, 9, 10, 12

The Romeo Flynns on MySpace. Official site.