Fleas – Nightmare (Reissue) (2023)
Loud, fierce, aggressive and full of angst, UK-based band Fleas bring a bold punk sound to the masses. After meeting and becoming friends at West Suffolk College, the five-some formed what was to become a versatile, innovative and high-quality band. Known for their raw, enthusiastic and energetic live performances, Fleas gained a loyal following from gigs; however, they are also reaching audiences beyond the stage with coverage from BBC Introducing, iHeart Radio, and various playlists. Moreover, the group was praised as BBC Introducing’s ‘Ones To Watch’ in 2022 and won the NMG award for ‘Best Rock Act’. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Nightmare (Reissue)’.
Following the well-received track ‘Baby Faced Rage’, Fleas show another side of their hard-hitting sound by reissuing one of their most popular singles, ‘Nightmare’. Recorded at the ADC Theatre in Cambridge, this reissued release aims to capture the raw energy of a Fleas live show. Unlike 2021’s ‘Nightmare’, ‘Nightmare (Reissue)’ has a darker, deeper and heavier tone as compared to the faster, fiercer original. Retaining their signature sound with pounding drums matching dynamic guitars in a distorted melody, Fleas prove they are not to be messed with. Interestingly enough, while ‘Nightmare (Reissue)’ demonstrates a punk rock brashness, a grunge-inspired sentimentality allows for a mellifluous softness in the song.
Despite the intensity of the single, the melodic arrangement seems to send you floating down a pitch-black sonic river. The thing is, while the waves carry you smoothly along you are able to sense kaleidoscopic turbulence beneath the surface. Old-school punk screams and blasts punctuate the smooth ride but are more vulnerable shouting than an angsty cry. Exposing human fragility, brutal honesty and a heart-breaking raw innocence, ‘Nightmare (Reissue)’ chills you to the core while slapping you in the face.
For more from Fleas, check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
