Doug Florzak - Flagstone

Doug Florzak

Flagstone
​self-released; 2022

3.8 out of 5

​By Dan Weston
​

Doug Florzak has been playing bass and guitar for most of his adult life including with Wrought Iron Soul, a local Chicago blues band. He gained experience playing in numerous garage bands and neighborhood ensembles and composed and arranged instrumentals and other songs with his musician friends. Florzak recently released Flagstone which is a nine-song album.

Florzak mentions that he “consolidates influences from artists such as Paul Hardcastle, Jan Hammer and John Barry (music composer for many of the James Bond films). I am a big fan of Soundtracks, Chill, Dream Pop and new age/smooth jazz. When I composed these songs, I often visualized them as a score for film or TV.”

I was definitely getting spy movie vibes on the very first song “Arc of Justice.” Surf rock is closely related here so that was in the mix as well. It’s entirely an instrumental song but there is plenty of variation which allowed me to be engaged the whole time.

“Prickly Pear” is up next and I loved the airy energy to this song. It felt swift, relaxing and care free. The drums were really well recorded and the sheen of the ride cymbals mixed really well with the guitar parts.

“Heavy Snow” is more rock based. It’s a dynamic song and certain parts are punctuated by a bass which helps you feel the depth of the energy. “The Range” is more cosmic sounding at first as Florzak takes advantage of modulation effects. The set settles in clean and is mid-level energy with more lead guitar that is the focal point.

“Horse Dream” has a more subdued and pensive energy. I felt as if I was strolling along an open plain or perhaps wandering the desert. The vibe becomes a little more festive on “Christmas Tree” while “Your Blue Sky” is another that is super slick with distinct guitar melodies and a steady and sturdy beat.

“You Can Walk (Instrumental Version)” is a spacious song and feels even more surf rock inspired. Last up is “Secret Squirrel” and this one is straight spy music to my ears. The additional orchestra pads added to effect. 

​This was a seamless and fluid album. I didn’t miss vocals and found myself concentrating on his unique approach to guitar. Florzak let the songs breathe and seemed to me like he was only playing what was needed. Recommended.

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