British alt-pop trio Flawes have set the foundations for bigger things in 2021 by releasing their new single ‘Higher Than Before’ with vocals from Mali-Koa.
The new song is the third release from their EP Reverie which will be released on February 26th. Fans can stream ‘Higher Than Before’ here.
Consistently using their exuberant alt-pop sound to deliver a message of pure positivity, Flawes are a liberating experience at a time when it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the world around us. Factor in consistently inventive visuals for their recent singles “Holding Out For The Win” and “What’s a Boy To Do”, and it’s easy to see why they’re emerging as a hot tip among numerous new music champions.
‘Higher Than Before’ finds Flawes in a far more reflective mood, but it’s clear that their passion is amplified. Frontman JC Carruthers’ soaring falsetto delivers a celebration of transcendent love, singing, “I feel that this could be the brightest that we’ve ever felt before.” The strength of his feeling is hammered home with surely the biggest beats that drummer Josh ‘Huss’ Hussey has ever delivered. Meanwhile, Freddie Edwards’ radiant guitar work is as just as sun-kissed as ever and Mali-Koa elevates it further leading the closing verse.
The song’s stratospheric lyrics have inspired the track’s video, which features Flawes and Mali-Koa performing on top of a cloud. Yet in typical Flawes fashion, there’s a playful twist. The fantastical concept is given a light-hearted dose of realism. The video closing shots show that the band’s skybound jumps have all been performed on a small trampoline in a studio.
JC explains,
“”Higher Than Before” is all about giving a relationship a chance and looking at things in a more positive light. The chorus hook “You’re taking me Higher Than Before” centres around the realisation that being with them has vastly improved my life; life is a lot better when they are in it. It features the amazing Mali-Koa who we are huge fans of, so it was a dream to finally work together.
Mali-Koa adds,
“I think the boys are brilliant, so it was a no brainer for me! “Higher Than Before” felt like a natural fit, the chorus is so anthemic and uplifting, writing with JC was a day spent laughing and creating. I think that’s what it is about Flawes. It isn’t all serious band business, they like to have a fun time and make songs along the way.”
The London-based Australia singer-songwriter Mali-Koa released her debut album ‘Hunger’ late last year. Praise included Clash who described her as, “a songwriter of real directness and sophistication,” while The Line of Best Fit stated, “Love, in all its shapes and forms, is a topic which Mali handles poetically, every time.” Flawes honoured the release of the album by sharing their take on its title track.
After a steady rise in which they earned a Record of the Week at Radio 1 and worked with leading producers such as FINNEAS (Billie Eilish) and Lostboy (Dua Lipa), Flawes took the opportunity last year to record some new songs, with the remote assistance of producers such as Toby Scott (The Gossip, Pet Shop Boys). Their new material is bursting with personality, encompassing the energy of their live shows and an escapist spirit that is proving to be empowering for the band and their fans. The ‘Reverie’ EP positions Flawes to achieve the things they were aiming for in 2020 – just a little behind schedule.
With their previous releases ‘Lowlights’ and ‘Highlights’, Flawes has seen its music video for “Look No Further” added to rotation on Channel [V] Asia, VH1 India and VERY TV, along with numerous press features and radio pickups in the region. From here, the only direction the band can go is up.
