Congratulations to Syracuse's own power pop powerhouse THE FLASHCUBES. On Friday night, the Flashcubes' 2023 Big Stir Records release Pop Masters was named Best Rock Album at the SAMMYs, the Syracuse Area Music Awards. It was my favorite album of 2023, and I'm glad the SAMMYs voters agreed.
(I'm further gratified that our friends Perilous were also nominated in this category for their fantastic album YEAH!!! These world-class current releases from two stellar Central New York groups provides further evidence of what local radio legend Dave Frisina always says: Some of the best rock around can be found right in your own back yard.)
'Cubes guitarist Paul Armstrong and bassist Gary Frenay accepted the award on behalf of their fellow Flashcubes, guitarist Arty Lenin and drummer/producer Tommy Allen. Paul credited Tommy's work and studio wizardry for making Pop Masters such an amazing record, and joked that maybe the album should have been called Tommy. Paul also saluted the late Ducky Carlisle, a producer, drummer, and great friend who had occasionally served as a duly deputized fifth 'Cube.
Gary recalled that the Flashcubes started in 1977, played Syracuse gigs with such luminaries as the Ramones, the Runaways, the Romantics, and the Police, and after more than four decades, the Flashcubes are still the same four guys: Paul, Gary, Arty, and Tommy.
The same four guys.
That's a story we don't hear very often in rock 'n' roll. And it's the story of the Flashcubes, four specific guys who became more than the sum of their parts, a quartet who built a bright light right here in Syracuse and let its glow find its way to fans around the world. It's a story that needs to be told.
And it will be.
As far as I'm aware, there are no more Flashcubes recordings or live shows planned in the near future. But there are two Flashcubes-related projects in very early stages of development. The plans are sketchy, not even blueprints just yet.
But there's a bright light burning overhead. It's time to make something happen. Stay tuned.
And one more time: CONGRATULATIONS, FLASHCUBES!
Congratulations to a great band!
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