Faultlines – Freedom (2024)
Wriggling into our brains, rattling about the cranium and sticking between your ears for who knows how long, Faultlines’ melodies are powerful, hard-hitting and infectious. The brainchild of musicians Ashley Morgan and John Flanagan, US-based Faultlines is unafraid to explore humanity in all its fantastic grit and glory. On one side there’s love, empowerment, optimism and bright lights; on the other, loss, challenges, vulnerability and tragedy – all wrapped in Faultlines’ sonic packages. The latest addition to their moving discography is the single ‘Freedom’.
Drawing together several years of individual experience in the music industry, Morgan and Flanagan have a sophisticated sheen in their music. Yet, just as there is elegance and maturity, Faultlines brims with innocence, naivety and the rawness of a new artist. Recorded and produced with David Kidd, ‘Freedom’ is a concoction of bold piano, pulsating drums and searing guitars twirling about in kaleidoscopic unity. Interestingly, while the harmonies of each instrument blend perfectly, there is a fist-pumping forcefulness lingering in its individuality but collective sincerity.
Hinting at the sounds of the 1960s/1970s, ‘Freedom’ is a confident blast of vintage folk-rock with contemporary indie-pop flairs. Harkening to the 70s culture, ‘Freedom’ is also a protest song adding a hit of empowerment to soothing whimsy. Originally penned in 2020, the track is Faultlines becoming political and tackling the state of the USA with soul-stirring sound.
John Flanagan explains: “It was during the height of national hysteria when Jared Mitchell and I sat down to write ‘Freedom’ during the 2020 lockdown…”. Ashley Morgan continues, “It was after the devastating shooting at a Nashville elementary school in 2023 that I watched with frustration as two Tennessee Representatives were expelled for their participation in a peaceful protest against gun violence. Listening to the demo again, it was clear this is a message that needs to be heard.”
In addition to the single, Faultlines released an official music video for ‘Freedom’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Faultlines on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
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