For the Love of Metal: The Fleeting Romance
Wichita Falls power trio brings original rock to the Iron Horse
Wichita Falls’ power trio The Fleeting Romance brought their brand of original metal to the Iron Horse for a show recently, and it turned into a showcase for the talent in our city, led by Brandt Holmes.
Holmes is well-known as a powerful solo artist who sometimes shows up at Open Mics, and as the lead vocalist for New Realm, whom we caught in the act previously. In this instance, Brandt fronted The Fleeting Romance with Billy Pennington on drums and Scott Szczepinski on bass.
I was told by a friend before the show that, as a lover of mainstream rock, this band was gonna be right up my alley, and that nugget was spot on. If you’re the kind of person who has radio preset number one set to 106.3 The Buzz in your vehicle, The Fleeting Romance is gonna make you a happy rock lover.
TheFUSE supports our local performers. Would you consider supporting TheFUSE with a free or paid subscription? Thank you in advance!
Most notably, Brandt Holmes plays lead in The Fleeting Romance, something I didn’t see him do with New Realm (considering the two incredible guitarists they already have in Matt Skelton and TJ Stephens.) Holmes provides vocals for The Fleeting Romance as well, and he handles both duties skillfully and with attitude.
It only takes a few minutes of listening to realize the talent in The Fleeting Romance pegs the meter. Scott is always dropping bass licks in the appropriate spots (listen to his work in the chorus of Double-Crossed), and it is common knowledge on the Falls music scene that drummer Billy Pennington brings the thunder every time you see him perform.
More than anything, the songwriting of Holmes and The Fleeting Romance is like mechanized perfection with Holmes at the switch. I looked up The Fleeting Romance’s channel, where their single “Double-Crossed” is available to stream, and I was blindsided in an amazing way. Holmes’ voice is stellar, unique, and instantly recognizable. It’s the lyrics, however, that caught my attention.
For a moment, think back on that relationship that didn’t work out for you. We’ve all had one. Got it? Now take a look at the lyrics for Double-Crossed.
You came, and you went
Thought that you were heaven sent
You knew all along
I should’ve known, should’ve known that I was wrong
Double-crossed and I was blind
To see that you’re the killing kind
I shouldn’t have believed
That you were looking out for me
The look upon your face
As you pulled the rug out from under me
The message is a universal truth that we can all relate to… the hallmark of powerful rock with mass appeal. Listen for yourself.
As this gig wound down and the members of The Fleeting Romance enjoyed some shots supplied by their loyal fans, it was clear to me this band has the goods. The only thing I could ask for would be for our community to support these acts by coming out to the shows… too many people are missing what’s happening in our city.
Have you seen The Fleeting Romance? Have you streamed Double-Crossed? Tell us what you think in the comments.
Follow theFUSE on Facebook
Follow theFUSE on Instagram
Great article about some really great guys.
Double Crossed is on my playlist! Great song that rocks sooo much