Elvis Costello has shared a new single, “No Flag”, that sees the punk/new waver returning to his roots. “No Flag” marks the British singer-songwriter’s first studio release since 2018’s Look Now.
On February 16th, Costello traveled alone to the Finnish capital of Helsinki where he held up at the Suomenlinnan Studio for three days. Costello said of the choice of venue for the recording, “I wanted to go somewhere nobody knew me. So, this is ‘The Helsinki Sound.’”
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Starting off with a dreamy sequence of kick drum machines and spacey synth sounds, “No Flag” quickly changes pace as Costello’s overdrive-laden electric guitar comes roaring in. Once his vocals begin with the first howl of “I’ve got no religion/I’ve got no philosophy” it’s immediately apparent that this isn’t the toned-down, chilled out Costello that has been ruminating in coffee houses since his appearance in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. No, this is a return to the Costello that made a name for himself with his Buddy Holly glasses and toothpick physique that was juxtaposed with the rage that was building across the U.K. and the world at large in the late 1970’s. Even if the instrumentals grow a bit repetitive by the end of the song, the lyrics for “No Flag” are what make the song noteworthy, as Costello expresses the communal disgust so many of his listeners feel about their government, be it the United States or the United Kingdom.
Watch the colorful lyrics video for “No Flag” by Elvis Costello.
Elvis Costello — “No Flag” (Lyric Video)
[Video: Elvis Costello]
Back in 2018, Costello shocked audiences with the news that he had developed pancreatic cancer. After canceling a number of shows to receive treatment, he reassured fans with the update, “No, I am not dying!” after rumors swirled that his life was in immediate peril. After successfully undergoing treatment, Costello returned to the studio and the stage having made a full recovery. Visit Costello’s website for any new releases or announcements. Scroll down to read the lyrics for “No Flag”.