The Flatmates

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More About

• Deb Haynes
• Chrissy Hynde
• Bristol
• Martin Whitehead
• Riots

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Britain in the mid-'80s was a horrific place to be, what with Thatchernomics, race riots, and the mainstream goop of synth-pop and miserablist rock. Formed in reaction to this environment, Bristol's Flatmates attempted to bring music back to the basics: three chords, no synths, all lyrics about luv. The group's tunes -- written and released between 1986 and 1989 and just now finding their way stateside via Sacto's Clairecords -- were punk draped in an anorak, the chaos of the fuzz-sawing guitars coated by sugary hooks and Deb Haynes' girl-group cheer. Whether starry-eyed or vengeful (see "And I'm gonna smile and I'm gonna laugh and I'm gonna burn your photograph/ I'm gonna smile and I'm gonna tease, you're gonna get down on your bended knees" from "You're Gonna Cry"), Haynes was a force of nature, as tough and tender as Chrissy Hynde ever was. Haynes' singing and Martin Whitehead's reckless guitars make the Flatmates' songs sound timeless, as fresh and vibrant as they did nearly 20 years ago.