Two years after releasing its first album, flipturn is back with “Burnout Days,” a product of its first tour and an examination of the band’s past and present. In all the ways its debut album “Shadowglow” was a confident introduction, “Burnout Days” is a sensitive conversation between flipturn’s members.
As Madeline Jarman, flipturn’s bassist, explained, each member brings something to the table when they create music. “Burnout Days” was an especially collaborative effort that demanded a willingness to take risks from each band member. The daring musical construction of singles like “Juno” exemplify the trust that permeates the band’s dynamic.
After the explosive success of “Shadowglow,” flipturn had no time to slow down. Its tour brought them across the country as they played huge venues and festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
“Over the past couple years, our lives have felt like it's been going and going and going, and that's something that we've had to get used to,” Jarman said.
“Burnout Days” is a reflection of what the band learned during its time on the road, Jarman said, especially the importance of slowing down and taking time for yourself. The introspective nature of songs like “Sunlight,” based on singer and guitarist Dillon Basse’s experience with his mother’s rehab, reflect the contemplative tone of this album. As lyricists, flipturn places grounding images against a dream-like backdrop, depicting experiences that derive relatability from detail.
The vulnerability of the album largely comes from its basis in the lives of its creators. Faced with the speed of an ever-changing industry and a fast-paced tour, flipturn produced songs like “Tides” that use imagery from the band’s home in Jacksonville to reflect slowness and the importance of being present.
In many ways, “Burnout Days” serves as a coming-of-age album as the band finds its footing in the expansive music scene. The fast pace of growing up and the search for authentic connection are seen in songs like “Swim Between Trees.” While its path through young adulthood has not been conventional, the band speaks to the feeling of uncertainty and fragility that comes with maturing.
Musically, the album plays with the contrast between fluidity and stillness. The openings of songs like “Inner Wave” and “Moon Rocks” feels hurried and rhythmic, reflecting the unceasing demand of life on the road. The band’s inventive fusion of simple percussion and intricate melodies gives the album an entirely unique sound, one that both challenges and pays homage to the indie genre that shaped the band’s earlier work.
Reaching its growing audience was one of flipturn’s top priorities when creating this album, Jarman said. While they speak to the universal experience of burnout, they also share an optimistic perspective on slowing down and finding joy in your surroundings.
“If you love something, stick with it,” Jarman said. “And it could be a lot of work, but it could be worth it.”
The band’s love for what they do is palpable through the thought put into “Burnout Days.” After overcoming the challenges a sophomore album can often present, flipturn leaves us with an important lesson: slow down.
Contact Juliana DeFilippo at jdefillipo@alligator.org. Follow her on X @JulianaDeF58101
Juliana DeFilippo is a first-year journalism major and general assignment Avenue reporter. In her free time, she loves to read and work on crossword puzzles.
