Flash Lightnin': Shapes Of Things

By Kerry Doole

Flash Lightnin': "Shapes Of Things" (Pheromone/Cadence): The Toronto hard rock duo of Darren Glover and Darcy Yates is calling it quits, but they'll go out with a bang via a final EP.

Homage is set for release on April 6 via Pheromone Recordings, and, as the title suggests, it features covers of some of the band's favourite songs.

The tunes are Peter Green/Fleetwood Mac's "Green Manalishi," Mountain's "Never In My Life" Jeff Beck's interpretation of The Yardbirds' "Shapes of Things," and Cream's "Swlabr." In a label press release, Glover explains that "this EP represents our life-long passion and respect for the birth of high powered electrified blues. 60's and 70's rock has been the backbone of my dreams and love for the electric guitar, especially British players like Clapton, Beck and Peter Green."

Judging by the take on "Shapes Of Things," the EP will capture the spirit of the originals while adding a fresh twist. This new version beefs up the vocal harmonies while retaining the searing guitar sound of Beck's take, one that appears on his landmark solo album Truth (featuring a young Rod Stewart on vocals).

The tracks on the EP were recorded a couple of years ago with powerhouse drummer Blake Manning at Toronto's Revolution Recording. Ian Blurton was at the controls, an ideal choice to capture the ferocious energy of Flash Lightnin's sound.

The group was a popular fixture on the T.O. scene for a decade, but its demise was inevitable when Glover moved to Victoria, and Yates became very busy as a member of Bahamas. They will be missed, but this is a fitting swansong recording.