Flashing OFF the Record

Friday, February 13, 2026

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!

Friday, February 6, 2026

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.