Vagabond Flag-"Not Afraid" Single Version

Self-Release/Independent
2014

The single version of "Not Afraid", due to drop on June 16th with a debut album scheduled for July 4th (seemingly fitting as his music shadows his inner independence) was my first introduction to Vagabond Flag. And I'll tell you what, I'm glad we meet. We all know that first impressions are everything and the impression I got from "Not Afraid" was that yes, I would like to spend more time in the presence of this man. Indeed, Vagabond Flag is a man, not some band or a collection of differing personalities working their way through those differences in the hopes of settling on a spark. His interests include making music (and at this point he's only a year or so removed from picking up a guitar in order to make that music!) and to protest, to rebel. And above all else to find the next love of my life (music being his first love!). That last part many of us can relate to. I know that I can. And it's that personal touch that kind of tugs at you on "Not Afraid". Having grown up in London, where he now works as hard as he plays, Vagabond Flag (https://www.facebook.com/VagabondFlagArtist?fref=ts) is in the thick of it all from politics and art to the hustle and bustle of everyday people (their movements and mannerisms re-shaping London daily). Maybe it's no wonder then that his music, like the man himself, is so personal, completely invested in the human condition. That seems like a fair connection, drawing a line from the music to the message and from the message back to the music. On the single "Not Afraid" we find Vagabond Flag relaying that message over-top of (somewhat gruff) Lo Fi indie rock. Influences run from the likes of Oasis, The Verve and The Pixies to Nirvana, Soundgarden and Dinosaur Jr. Oh, and David Bowie. We must not forget that part! Especially seeing as Vagabond Flag, like David Bowie before him, provides clear evidence on the (exceptionally cool!) guitar-driven/classic rock-infused (and yet unmistakably Lo Fi indie rocker!) single "Not Afraid" that rock can be passionate and intelligent (to go along with it's shapely body). Hopefully the upcoming debut album from Vagabond Flag, which is likely to be rich in content (political and personal lyrics) will be able to cast a similar reflection, music-wise. To hear "Not Afraid" for yourself simply click here: https://soundcloud.com/vagabond-flag.