Staple begins with a more radio-friendly song dubbed "Dictatorship Vs. Democracy." It's hardcore rock. Staple dominates the ability to grow on the listener with sincere, creepingly honest lyrics, gritty in nature, about faith and life in the experience. Darin Keim's clean/scream mix is impressive as he can just play a clean sound with a scream in a split second--and vice versa. Keim has an almost haunting push in his voice; he pulls off a MeWithoutYou vocal from time to time, quite well.
The CD flips around from hardcore-esque rock to a loosely Chevelle-type of biting mellow moment. It's not really tough-guy hardcore but is more rock and hardcore.
Staple varies the sound--the band can be melodic, heavy, or both, all on the same Flicker debut release, which can be disconcerting for the listener. Like heavy variety? Check out this band, but the variety is a mixed blessing. Be warned--if the listener enjoys solely rock, this won't satisfy; if the listener is solely tough-guy hardcore, this may not be exactly their dish, either.
2.5 tocks
