SONG REVIEW: Aim High - "Flannel Szn"

“Say goodbye to sunshine and beach days, and say hello to Flannel Szn” 

by Jesse Smith

Emerging from Columbia, South Carolina “Aim High” has really gained a huge amount of traction since their first release in 2019. Their album “Local Band Forever” which came out last year is one of the craziest displays of versatility I have ever seen from a band, not to mention all the star power behind each and every song. Listening to Aim High’s discography you’ll never know which side of them you’re going to get but all you know is you’re going to like it. Fast forward to September 2022 and their single “Flannel Szn” is released and it is good ole’ fashion pop punk…. And guess what? They nailed that too. 

Following the footprints left by Neck Deep, Flannel Szn is catchy and energetic while still making something unique and to be honest, Moshable. Aim High holds its own seat at the “heavy pop punk” table and really shows in this song. Flannel Szn feels more structured and mature and to the point than previous songs that I’ve expected from this band. The one thing that stands out immensely is that chunky bass tone that slices through the mix like Gordon Ramsay’s knife on Top Chef. That tone keeps the heaviness of the band still in the background while the band is doing the catchy pop punk thing, but really pushes the envelope when they drop it without going overboard. The pre-chorus/bridge lyrics “Embrace the Seasons Changing. Autumn leaves always being something new” really caught my ear. Even though some of you will say “tHaT’S SoOo pOPpUNk oF thEm” it really is a crafty statement and something that is easily relatable and uplifting. Given the fact they released the song at the peak of summer’s end is brilliant planning on their part, and maybe that’s why I picked out those lyrics. 

Either way, “Flannel Szn” is a smash and a half and their best work yet. The song also includes a music video of the band rocking out on the beach which is again, is perfect timing as beach weather comes to a close as we prepare to hibernate like bears in the winter. A super solid performance out of Aim High and is a strong follow up to their last release. 

One last thing.. 

For many of you who know the band, a little over a week from writing this review the band announced the passing of their guitarist Coleman Sonefeld. The Flannel Szn video was the last video with Coleman and what it shows is Coleman playing the music he loved with his brothers with a glowing smile on his face. As a new fan of  Aim High and from the rest of the family at Ghost Killer Entertainment, Rest In Power Coleman Sonefeld and thank you for the music you created and the lives you changed by being you.