Skyscraper Stan & The Commission Flats: Navigating Nostalgia and Devotion on ‘Those Were Days’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the vibrant and often unpredictable currents of contemporary music, Skyscraper Stan and his formidable long-time collaborators, the Commission Flats, have steadily carved out a distinctive space. Hailing from Aotearoa/New Zealand and now based in Australia, their collective work has fostered a loyal, and increasingly global, following. This appeal isn’t accidental; it’s drawn to Stan’s effortless lyrical grace, inventive arrangements, and a remarkable fluidity across genres – from the intimate introspection of folk and country to the raw energy of indie rock and the polished sincerity of soul. These diverse elements are not merely present, but are key threads woven throughout their latest expansive album, Those Were Days.
The album’s latest single, “Anjai,” offers a deeply personal entry point into Stan’s world. This reggae-infused, soulful slow groove is nothing short of a devotional swoon, a tender tribute to his recently betrothed soulmate. Stan, in his characteristic candidness, reveals the intimate inspiration: “I’m not a spiritual person, but my wife is. Her belief in the ephemeral and the mystical is contagious and exciting. Sometimes I wonder if I’m missing out on something. She is my spirit guide. This song is for and about her.” This admission adds a profound layer to “Anjai,” transforming it from a mere love song into a nuanced exploration of shared belief systems and the spiritual guidance found within a partnership. The track itself is an exercise in restrained beauty, allowing its heartfelt sentiment and Stan’s expressive vocals to truly shine, underpinned by the Commission Flats’ sympathetic and understated instrumentation.
Those Were Days has, perhaps unsurprisingly given the depth of its content, resonated powerfully since its release. Its chart performance speaks volumes, debuting at an impressive #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album chart, #20 on the ARIA Australian Album chart, and #14 on the Aotearoa Music Album chart. Beyond the numbers, the album has garnered widespread support from Australian community radio and received glowing reviews from international outlets in Italy and New Zealand, alongside a notable feature in Australia’s Rhythms magazine. Further cementing its critical acclaim, Rolling Stone included the album in its “Best Australian Music of the Week” feature, affirming its place as a significant release.
Conceived and written during the global pandemic, and geographically rooted between the cities of Ballarat and Naarm (Melbourne), the album emerged from a period of deep introspection for Stan. He found himself frequently reminiscing about places, people, and the broader state of the world as he committed his thoughts to paper. The album’s titular track, “Those Were Days,” perfectly encapsulates this nostalgic undercurrent. It’s a lament for the lost hedonism of one’s early twenties, conjuring vivid images of share-house living in Fitzroy and Collingwood. This central theme beautifully ties together the general nostalgic feel that pervades much of the album, creating a cohesive and relatable emotional landscape.
Across the various singles released from the album, Stan consistently demonstrates the world-class quality and remarkable versatility of his songwriting. On the alt-country meets indie-rock first single, “Let Me Be Frank With You,” he deftly tackles the complex phenomenon of working-class individuals voting against their apparent self-interest, using the relatable metaphor of small-town gossip to dissect broader societal trends. This shows not only his lyrical ingenuity but also his willingness to engage with thought-provoking subject matter.
“Strange Things Happen” and its brilliantly “zombified” video clip offer a different facet of his artistry. It’s a hooky heartache song, yet it possesses a bouncing feel that evokes the infectious energy of soul and ’60s rock, proving Stan’s ability to infuse melancholy with a captivating groove. Meanwhile, “Down The M8” showcases his narrative skill, detailing the extensive lengths he and his partner are willing to travel for love. This story unfolds over a soundtrack of rollicking electric guitar and a fascinating blend of impassioned soul and rolling country rock, illustrating a rich sonic tapestry.
Most recently, “Talk To Me” sees Stan delving deep into what one might imagine as a kind of Antipodean Stax/Motown revue. On this infectious track, complete with a funky organ groove and a resonant saxophone solo, Stan delivers a stellar vocal performance. Lyrically, it’s a timely exploration of conversations in the age of conspiracy, highlighting his penchant for addressing contemporary societal themes with both musical flair and lyrical incisiveness.
Those Were Days stands as a true group effort, a collaborative labor of love between Stan and the Commission Flats. As Stan proudly states, “We did the whole thing in-house. We arranged the songs together, we produced it ourselves and our drummer Andy mixed it.” This self-sufficiency underscores the organic and authentic nature of the album’s creation. He concludes, “It has been a long process, but certainly the most enjoyable music making experience of my career so far.” This sentiment is palpable throughout the album, a testament to a cohesive unit operating at the peak of their collaborative powers, delivering a body of work that is as thought-provoking as it is musically engaging.