It’s only been a couple of months since I spoke with the Open Flames. At the time, they had released a couple of singles in anticipation of their forthcoming album, Same Time Next Year. Well, the album has graduated from “forthcoming” to “hathcome” (assuming that’s a word) and it is, in a word, stupendous. The recordings have a living, breathing quality that give the songs a real sense of place. It’s easy to imagine the band working in the same rooms and breathing the same air as they performed the songs. Maybe the word I’m looking for is “atmospheric.” In any case, I was curious to learn more, so I reached out to singer/guitarist Dave Eastman with some questions…

When we spoke back in December, Same Time Next Year was  still forthcoming, and now it’s out on all streaming services. Have there been any other new developments?

Thanks for interviewing us, Marc – we love your site! 

The new album is doing great. The founder of Subjangle Records, Darrin, is a lovely guy. I asked him how my parents could buy a copy, and Darrin responded she could have it for free because he has a MOMS DON’T PAY rule. We are lucky to work with Subjangle! 

And now that the album is out, we’ve got at least 10 songs ready to record. We just need to get into the studio, with our many pedals and crazy ideas…

Thanks for the kind words! You mentioned that the album is out on the Subjangle label. How did you connect with them?

Subjangle has a stable of many hip bands, so by discovering the bands, and the hip reviewers like you who like them, we found our way to Subjangle. Darrin responded lovingly to our demo within ten minutes (which is unheard of) and within a few days we’d already agreed to release ‘Same Time Next Year’ together. 

And the album will be available on Bandcamp starting April 1. Is there a strategy behind delaying the Bandcamp release?  

The lead time Subjangle gives everyone a chance to get a discount on albums and review them – they’re on sale now! – and something to look forward to during this winter of discontent.

On Bandcamp, the featured track from Same Time Next Year is “UK Trains.” Appropriately enough, it has a great driving drumbeat that reminds me of the Clash’s cover of “I Fought the Law.” Are they an influence?

Yes! “UK Trains” is a punk song in reverse to describe what it’s like for a Yank to immigrate to the UK punks’ promised land (an island) and end up feeling as stuck as they did. 

By the way, we have Sunday roast at a pub where the Clash used to play in London. London has indeed changed.

Speaking of the Clash, I know you have a radio show called London Calling. Where can people listen to it?

Listen on Eardrum Buzz Radio (HOME | Eardrum Buzz Radio) every fourth Monday at 11am PST. I introduce UK bands I have met and love. EDB plays great shoegaze and indie rock. Shout out to Bret of EDB!

By way of contrast to “UK Trains,” the track “Falling Up” begins with a spare, brooding sound that gradually builds to a wailing crescendo. What’s the story behind that song?

For my aid work, I travel by plane in wartorn countries frequently. When bumping through a massive dust storm or over a jungle, I have found the best music to distance myself from the fear of an imminent crash is mid-career Radiohead. So, we tried to replicate that vibe as I ask a plane crash victim of their last thoughts as they went down – did they hold the hand of the passenger next to them? were they brave or screaming? – and what was the feeling of release like when it was all over? 

That’s pretty heavy. The track has a strong Velvet Underground vibe… I know that’s not a question so much as an observation, but feel free to comment. 

One of Paige’s favorite bands is the VU. Me, too. The lyrics in “Heroin” are just as good to me as “Like a Rolling Stone.” I just got the Andy Warhol LP. It bursts out of the speakers!

You mentioned a while back that the basic premise of the show is to ask fellow musicians why we keep playing music despite all the pain. Do you have an answer to that one?

Everyone tells me the same thing: for the love of it. Is there anything else that awakens that part of your brain, except maybe sex or a LOT of vodka? 

Odd question: Is vocalist Paige Brubeck related to the jazz musician Dave Brubeck? 

No, but the other band that she and Evan have, Sleepy Kitty, did cameo a Brubeck bit in one of their albums. 

Nice! Do you have any plans to visit the United States to promote Same Time Next Year? 

Absolutely! But it depends on if we’re allowed to fly over Greenland. It might be a no-fly zone by then.

Fingers crossed that it doesn’t come to that!