Band Review: Flam!

Three years ago I reviewed The Paul & John, a San Francisco rock duo featuring Paul Myers.

http://sporkful.blogspot.com/2015/10/band-review-paul-john.html

I knew at the time that it was not Myers' first musical project, but more of his past work is now available, including a Bandcamp page now for Flam!.

I don't know if it is the name source, but one definition of "flam" is a rudimentary drumming pattern, with a stroke preceded by a grace note.

There are many grace notes in the Flam! compositions. Myers describes them as musical meditations that started when he was experimenting with software. Not all of the tracks are upbeat, but there is a freedom and playfulness that comes through in many.

I especially responded to the funk in "The Threat Down", and to "The Place Where We Shared Our Truths". That one is full of little grace notes. "Islands to Plunder" has a quasi-industrial sound.

Myers has indicated that there is more to come, but currently I could only find ten tracks on Bandcamp and one additional arrangement on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiz1l4uW0pk

However, I am also happy to report that on the Bandcamp page he has also included the original album from The Gravelberries, including some bonus tracks. I am not including it as part of this review, but of course I listened to it. I mean, why wouldn't you?

https://paulmyers.bandcamp.com/album/flam-garden-variety

https://www.youtube.com/user/ColonelPablo

https://twitter.com/pulmyears