Review
Flagpolers
Arse Ways EP

Self Released (2014) Loren

Flagpolers – Arse Ways EP cover artwork
Flagpolers – Arse Ways EP — Self Released, 2014

Sometimes the RIYL doesn’t lie. When Vancouver punks Flagpolers list Tiltwheel as an influence, it comes across clearly on the four song EP Arse Ways. The songs are built in that Davey Tiltwheel guitar style and then the lyrics are pelted atop in a gruff and staggering delivery. It’s rough hewn, coarse, and alternately beautiful—a fitting tribute to the aforementioned band. It varies, though, with a greater use of back vocals that are mixed up front, meaning that the choruses have a bit more punch that pulls away from the frontman angle and gives a strong “band” feel. The guitar is really the story here, as it winds, pulls, and builds the energy without succumbing to power chords and big hooks, instead weaving its way around the song.

Things get a little less Tiltwheel after the opener, “Sure This Is It, Though Isn’t It.” “Angie Big Ones” is a more forward-driving song with a big drum beat and call and response dual vocals, with the refrains sounding a bit croaked, a la Rancid’s Matt Freeman quality. The song is more caffeinated and angry, while the opener was introspective and explorative.

The final two tracks fall in between in style, but closer to the first, with closer “Simon Smith and the Amazing Dancing Bear” bringing some Jawbreaker to mind as well. “Sketch the Barber” has a dark bassline that permeates, and brings the seriousness to a peak.

Flagpolers are paced punk, working on a story and a punchline instead of a cathartic fist pump. I don’t know much more than I’ve already told you about this 4-piece, but I like what I hear. It’s easy to pick out the influences, but they’re good ones.

7.4 / 10Loren • September 22, 2014

Flagpolers – Arse Ways EP cover artwork
Flagpolers – Arse Ways EP — Self Released, 2014

Related features

Flagpolers

One Question Interviews • January 10, 2017

Related news

Recently-posted album reviews

Painkiller

The Great God Pan
Tzadik (2025)

Painkiller, the trio of John Zorn, Bill Laswell, and Mick Harris shows no signs of slowing down. The Great God Pan is their third full-length, since their reunion in 2024, and in many ways it is an unexpected offering. In keeping with their interests in the metaphysical realm, Painkiller find inspiration from the famed Arthur Machen horror novella. Here, the … Read more

Painkiller

The Equinox
Tzadik (2025)

Painkiller sees three absolute masters of extreme music join forces. John Zorn of Naked City and a billion other projects, Mick Harris who transcended from Napalm Death drummer to illbient guru with Scorn, and producer extraordinaire Bill Laswell. Their first two records, Guts of a Virgin and Buried Secrets are strange meditations traversing between free-jazz, grindcore and dub. Still hungry … Read more

Dauber

Falling Down
Dromedary Records, Recess (2025)

The lazy approach would be to call Dauber "ex-Screaming Females," but that barely scratches the surface. If I had to pick one band to namedrop a comparison to, it would be labelmates Night Court. They play a familiar style but with a lot of quirks that set it apart from the genre standard-bearers. It's driving and energetic -- more importantly, … Read more