Friday (the 13th) Flash(back) - Karnivool - In Verses

Karnivool could have delivered the longest Friday Flash(back) album for a while. In Verses clocks in at just over one hour. 

The progressive rock band formed in Perth in 1998. Since 2004, the group has consisted of Ian Kenny (Birds of Tokyo fame) on vocals, Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking on guitar, Jon Stockman on bass, and Steve Judd on drums. 

The band have now released four studio albums: Themata (2005), Sound Awake (2009), Asymmetry (2013) and In Verses, released last Friday.

It is their first release in thirteen years. Karnivool have delivered hits like Themata, Set Fire to the Hive & All I Know over the years. When Kenny wasn't busy with his Birds of Tokyo work, he was on tour and recording with Karnivool.

A lot can happen in that time. As fans have noted since the album In Verses was announced last year, listeners have gotten married, had kids, divorced, and remarried. 

For the younger ones, fans have finished high school, gone to university, and work full-time, mind-numbing jobs. And through it all, three albums by a band from Perth have soundtracked every moment.

Fittingly titled In Verses, the follow-up to Asymmetry, released in July 2013. With a reference to the Roman numeral for the number four in the title and ten tracks that follow their gorgeous yet complex journey.

Vocalist Ian Kenny, guitarists Drew Goddard and Mark Hosking, bassist Jon Stockman, and drummer Steve Judd continue evolving on In Verses. Drawing on their previous albums – 2005’s Themata, 2009’s Sound Awake, and Asymmetry – the group channels frustration and catharsis in a poignant reflection on their personal journey to rediscover their musical identity.

Completely changing gears from Boy & Bear last week, and Friday Flash(back) season one opener Lily Allen. Karnivool deliver when it comes to rock.

There are a number of weeks prior to Easter when season one concludes. Next week I'm sure we will completely shift gears again.

Have a great weekend!

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - VELVET TRIP - {Glimmers Continued}

Friday Flash(back) - Boy & Bear - Tripping Over Time

Tripping Over Time is the sixth studio album by Boy & Bear. Released mid-December last year via the group's self-titled label. This is the second Friday Flash(back) of 2026.

Upon announcement, vocalist and guitarist Dave Hosking said: "The record predominantly is about how time changes us. We grow up, our priorities shift, our lives move onto new chapters and with this comes new insights but also new challenges. It's a balancing act of reflecting or even yearning for our youth whilst also embracing life as it inevitably moves forward. So, I think the record's emotional core is really about finding peace in who we are and who we've become. It’s about self-growth.”

The album was promoted with a performance on the steps of the Sydney Opera House on 14 December 2025. The album peaked at number 13 on the ARIA charts upon release.

Boy & Bear are Australian icons. The group hailing from Sydney have given us hits like Feeding Line, Southern Sun, Harlequin Dream and their cover of Fall at Your Feet.

I am so excited to have the Friday Flash(back) back for 2026. Season one runs all the way until Easter 2026. Over the coming weeks, there are some great albums to dive into. I can't wait to share them with you.

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - ARI LENNOX - {Vacancy}

Friday Flash(back) - Lily Allen - West End Girl

The Friday Flash(back) is back for 2026. Welcome to the new year, kicking off with West End Girl, the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Lily Allen. 

The album was released back in October last year.

The album marks her first project in seven years and her first album following her departure from Parlophone.

West End Girl was primarily recorded in Los Angeles over ten days in December 2024, with additional production taking place in February 2025. 

The album was mainly written by Allen, who also co-produced the project alongside Seb Chew, Kito & Blue May.

Lyrically, West End Girl reflects on the undoing of Allen's marriage to actor David Harbour, how she processed his alleged acts of infidelity, and her emotional response.

Upon its release, West End Girl received acclaim from music critics, many of whom described it as lyrically honest and praised its narrative. 

It was named as one of the best albums of 2025 by several publications and was nominated for British Album of the Year at the Brit Awards. Commercially, the album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart, where it was certified Silver for moving 60,000 units, and reached the top ten in Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand. 

The album's lead single, Madeline, reached the top twenty on the UK Singles Chart, while the album track Pussy Palace peaked at number eight, becoming Allen's first top ten in the UK since 2014.

To promote the album, Allen is set to embark on a concert tour, Lily Allen Performs West End Girl, which will commence in March 2026.

Lily also scored tow entries in this year's Hottest 100 after many years absent from the countdown. For my Top 200 songs of the year, Lily also featured twice.

If you are keen to discover the comeback of Lily Allen, you can stream the entire record below. Described by some as the divorce record of all time.

Very excited for the remainder of the first season of the Friday Flash(back). See you next Friday!