SHINING THROUGH
White Flag
[Gas Can Music]
Verdict: 9/10

Basically everything Gas Can has ever sent us has been gold. Remember Oliver Trolley and Automatic Static? Fuck yeah. So now we have Shining Through, another excellent band with a release well worth owning. White Flag is a five track EP that molds soaring rock, screamo, and pop into something undeniably fun and memorable. Opening with “Pills In Your Pocket”, Shining Through immediately reels the listener in and gets them hooked right off the bat. This track plays out like a fist throwing anthem, making it an instant favorite (and great first track). It is then followed by “White Flag”, the title track of the EP. It’s not hard to see why the band chose this is the highlight number since it has one of the catchiest choruses on the album. While this one is probably the best, it should be noted that a lot of sections on this EP will get stuck in your head for weeks to come. In fact, I’ve been blasting this EP for several weeks now before finally sitting down to review it. While the first two tracks are definitely awesome, I think I found the third song to be my absolute favorite. “San Diego Summer” is the first song to kind of mellow out (heard during the verses) before jumping back up to a memorable chorus. This track also features a killer bridge fueled by “fuck you” styled lyrics that you won’t soon forget. The final two songs of White Flag are the “weakest”, if you can even use that word when describing any part of this album. Neither of them are very “in your face”, which was a bit of disappointment considering it was that aspect that drew me into the first three songs so easily. Still, they both have great sounds to them that are more cool-and-collective rock mixed with pop (“Circles For Miles” sounds like something Farewell would have written). Five tracks just isn’t enough. A full length is very much desired from Shining Through now. White Flag has WINNER written all over it. – by Nathaniel Lay

Second, Reassurance of this EP’s Worth…

Verdict: 9.5/10

My colleague Nathaniel Lay has already written a glowing review of this fantastic EP, but I want to give you further assurance that this band is sure to be your next obsession. Remember how much you used to like punk-ish pop/rock when it was good? Yeah, aside from IVORYLINE’s latest LP, there hasn’t been much in the way of great catchy, well thought-out music in this genre. Well, rethink that and stop whatever you are doing and give SHINING THROUGH a listen. Every single track on White Flag is full of catchy choruses, above average to interesting musicianship, and quality lyrics (when does that happen in this genre?). This EP does not drop until September 20th, but it will be well worth the wait once you get your “hands” on it. Title track “White Flag” is an obvious standout, as the hook will literally hook you in and have you nodding your head along, the chorus is smart enough lyrically that you won’t be embarrassed to find yourself singing it out loud when it inevitably gets stuck in your head. The next track, “San Diego Summer” sounds like vintage MAYDAY PARADE, in that it’s a slow builder that actually pays off, with a neat little bridge and guitar solo, and the outro features some rather thought provoking lyrics that added a nice touch. Look out for SHINING THROUGH. I can’t say they’ll go places, but they should go places. Save room in your summer playlist for one more gem. – by Nick Senior

Stream: “San Diego Summer”