Flesh Tape

In discussing Flesh Tape’s new EP, Gravesite, frontman Larson Ross mentioned a road trip that took him past a now-defunct steel mill. “What can you do when the heart and location of your collective power sits rusting? Can you move the same muscles of collective action? Does it matter? There’s no other choice, we have to keep at it or there’s no point in dreaming of anything.” 

Gravesite is Flesh Tape’s first collaborative effort as a full band. Coming off a busy year where the band released their debut self-titled LP, a split and tour with Denver friends Broken Record (Power Goth Recordings/Storm Chasers Ltd), and their single “Petey”, Ross has added full-time members to what was initially a solo endeavor.

On Gravesite, Flesh Tape showcase their massive sound, wrapped into a quick 3-song EP. It’s got thick, lush layers that sound like they were ripped from Siamese Dream-era Smashing Pumpkins songs, and dynamic, pulsing rhythms backing screaming guitars, reminiscent of Ride’s “Leave Them All Behind”. It’s heavier, louder, and better than anything they’ve done before.

Whether it’s steel mills or shoegaze, Flesh Tape is driven by the possibility of a brighter future, and that means persevering into the unknown. From adding new members, to making a bigger, bolder statement on a new record, it’s all in service of something better than what came before. That’s a tough task for a band with a track record like Flesh Tape, but they accomplished the feat here. Gravesite is a can’t-miss EP from one of the most exciting new bands around.