MOD SUN, “Flames” | Track Review 🎵

MOD SUN and Avril Lavigne make an unlikely collaboration work incredibly well on the short but sweet single, “Flames.”

Cutting straight to the chase, 🎙 MOD SUN (Derek Smith) and 🎙 Avril Lavigne isn’t the first collaboration that ever comes to mind.  Regardless, the brief collaboration – just two-and-a-half-minutes – has come to fruition in 2021. 🎵 “Flames” was penned by Lavigne and Smith alongside 🎛 John Feldmann, who ultimately produces the track.  The results are quite positive. 

“I still burn for you, my whole life I've been on fire
I still burn for you, ooh-ooh...”

“Flames” commences with sweet vocals by Avril Lavigne. Hmm, definitely not what was expected! Sure, Avril has been much tamer as she’s became older and past her ‘bratty-sounding’ prime, but this kinder, gentler start to “Flames” is surprising. Unsurprisingly, MOD SUN (who’s much rougher around the edges) provides a sizable contrast, coming off much more aggressive on the post-chorus:

“Up in flames, up in flames
Light a match and put it to my name
Up in flames, I still burn for you, ooh-ooh.”

On the verses, Smith reins himself in, singing more in an undertone.  That said, lyrics that include words like narcissist, arsonist, or a phrase like “I’m dyin’ for a taste,” aren’t exactly subtle. On the second verse, we get more ad-libs and collaborative singing from Lavigne, which ups the ante. Unsurprisingly, she doesn’t remain ‘calm, cool, and collected,’ eventually rising to the occasion as both her and Smith sing dynamically on the final chorus.  Backtracking a bit, the sound of this record is worth noting; it’s very much rock-infused pop, so mean guitars and pummeling drums are definitely a thing.

Final Thoughts 💭 

Despite the unlikely nature of this collaboration, “Flames” ends up being totally worthwhile.  No, it’s not the second coming – no one will be saved by this alternative joint – but, it’s definitely enjoyable.

🎙 MOD SUN • 🎵 “Flames” (Ft. Avril Lavigne) • 🏷 Big Noise Music Group • 🗓 1.8.21

[📷: Big Noise Music Group]