Animal Flag have been around the Boston music scene for a while now, dropping their first album in 2009. Late last year the band released their latest EP 2 via Broken World Media and 1997 Recordings. It takes a much darker and heavier approach than their previous EP, which had a more upbeat and folky sound. The opening track “Jealous Lover” demonstrates the tonal shift by channeling the haunting guitars and drums of Devil & God era Brand New. The lyrics are wonderfully crafted by singer Matt Politoski as he explores themes of religion, family, jealousy, and lost love. Instrumentally, the album is very breezy and quiet, but there are sudden bursts of noisy cymbal crashes and blaring guitars over Politoski’s impassioned vocals. Animal Flag will be playing Great Scott in support of Violent Soho on September 11th! – John Honan