The band formed when vocalist Chris Volz answered an ad in a local paper placed by guitarist Jason Daunt, looking for a singer for an alternative/industrial band. The band's rhythm section progressed through several line-ups but solidified with the addition of bassist Ryan Jurhs in 1996. That same year the band recorded their first independent record American Arrogance.
Because they were low on money, the band ordered everything they needed to record from the Musician's Friend catalog, then returned it using the 30-day return policy. Their album gave them the opportunity to open for acts including Fear Factory and Econoline Crush. A local radio station, The Fox, broadcast the songs from Flaw's indie disc, giving them further notoriety.
Two more independent records, 1998's self titled album Flaw and 2000's Drama were later produced.
Flaw signed to Universal/Republic Records in 2000, and proceeded to release their debut album, Through the Eyes in 2001. The album eventually topped the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, due to moderate rotation of their music videos "Payback" and "Whole" on MTV2 and rock radio stations. In 2002, the band played at Ozzfest.
In 2004, after three years without releasing a new album, Flaw returned to the studio to begin recording their second studio album, Endangered Species. The band had parted ways with guitarist Jason Daunt and drummer Chris Ballinger and added Micah Havertape as their new drummer. The only single released from Endangered Species was "Recognize" and it received little amount of radio play. A music video was supposed to be filmed for the single but it never happened.
Endangered Species debuted at #42 on the Billboard Top 200, selling 27,527[citation needed] copies in its first week.
Flaw was dropped by their label Universal Records in late 2004 and eventually broke up. The band's final days left many people angry. The band had scheduled a few shows within their surrounding states, and when the break-up news began to circulate, no one from the band stepped forward to confirm or deny it. Some reportedly drove hundreds of miles to see the shows only to be told by club managers that the band unexpectedly canceled without notice. The group's website had, at the time, still displayed a notice which read "Flaw is still playing".
After Flaw broke up, Chris Volz eventually started up an entirely new band with drummer Ivan Arnold who had played with Flaw from 1998 to 2000. The new band, Five Bolt Main, signed with Rock Ridge Records and released a studio album and a live album before disbanding.
After leaving Flaw, Jason Daunt played in another Louisville band called Into Another, as well as going back to school for a law degree. Chris Ballinger played in a few bands and Lance Arny began playing guitar for a band called Nailgun Strategy in Louisville.
Micah Havertape went on to play with Black Market Hero alongside past 40 Below Summer members. Ryan Jurhs was also temporarily played them as well.
In 2006, Flaw reunited with four of the founding members: Chris Volz, Jason Daunt, Lance Arny, and Chris Ballinger. The band recruited bassist Alex Cando, formerly of Five.Bolt.Main, on bass. On March 11, 2007, at Headliner's Music Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, the band played its first show since their breakup, sharing the stage with Powerman 5000 before heading out on their own reunion tour with Arny's other band, Nailgun Strategy. On this tour, Flaw announced that they hoped to release an album in 2007 and were trying to find the right record company to sign with. Neither of those things ultimately happened that year.
The band went on to have numerous line-up changes and internal problems throughout 2007 and 2008. Daunt was only been able to make a couple of the shows due to his work as a full-time lawyer. For all the shows Daunt was unable to make, Andy Russ from Arny's other band, Nailgun Strategy, performed in Daunt's place. Eventually, Daunt left the band and was replaced full-time by Russ. Alex Cando also left, and was replaced by past member Ryan Juhrs.
Internal strife continued, with Volz and Daunt leaving to form a new band called Foundation. At this point the other three members of Flaw. Ballinger, Arny, and Juhrs, tried to carry on as Flaw, but Daunt and Volz reclaimed the name Flaw and applied it to their new band.
In December 2008 a MySpace bulletin was posted by Flaw stating that all future concert dates had been canceled due to conflicts between Volz and current members of the band.
However, in 2009, the band later came forward claiming that former "hired guns" in Flaw hacked the official MySpace and wrote this false information. They revealed that they were still working on a new album, and had a new drummer Sean Rued. Their third album, Home Grown Studio Sessions was later independently released for digital download via the website DiGiSTATION on November 16. 2009, and at all concerts since its release.
The band continued to tour into 2010, with Chris Marple filling in on bass until Ryan Jurhs could return due to work/scheduling conflict. However, in early july of 2010, signs of internal problems arose with Russ leaving for "health and personal reasons". In Mid July of 2010 Arny once again brought Chris Marple (Caldera & Kentucky Death Wish) back into the picture. This time Marple would be playing guitar, along with Arny, Jurhs, Volz & Rued to complete the full line up once again.
Flaw tour dates were scheduled immediately & posted from July through October of 2010. During the course of each run, these tours were with TANTRIC/BURN HALO/SATURATE. Unfortunately, somewhere during the course of these 3 tours, there was animosity between certain members & Flaw canceled all remaining tour dates with no explanation, on November 2, 2010.
Members
Current members
Chris Volz - vocals (1995–2004, 2006–present)
Lance Arny - guitar (1998–2004, 2006–2007, 2008–present)
Chris Marple - guitar (2010–present)
Ryan Jurhs - bass, backing vocals (1995–2004, 2008–present)
Sean Rued - drums (2009–present)
Former members
Jason Daunt - guitar (1995–2002, 2006–2008)
Ivan Arnold - drums (1995–1998)
Nick Haupt - drums (1998)
Dave Wathen - drums (1998–99)
Chris Ballinger - drums (1999–2003, 2006–2007)
Micah Havertape - drums (2003–2004)
Alex Cando - bass (2006–2007)
Nathan McDaniel - guitar (2007–2008)
Tyler Mathews - bass (2007–2008)
Terry Harper - drums (2008–2009)
Andy Russ - guitar (2008–2010)
Independence
Flaw Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I will read it for you
It says this fucken is private property
No fucken trespassing
This means fucken you
All my days are numbered any way
But you mother fucken don't
You think you know
So long
As I have a head But
You can't and you won't
So at the corner of same decsisions and lines
It takes a life time
Don't you see that I don't want you all inside my mind now
What if I take it all fucking back
Would you like a mixed up track
Bet you would like
A little something that is real
So I
Got to stand up straight
Cuz I got more patience then hate
And it's still over
Just dont care anymore
If you can't see things my way
I wont see yours myself
What about me god?
In my life
I still won't care anymore
If your not there for me
I wont be there my self
I know I know I am right
All my days
Now!
Sinken
And Drinken
It's over
My whole world
I'm thinkin
You can't see inside me
I'm free and I will be that way
Tell
The day
I check myself off to bleed
And then see
It will never come agian
And you will see that
What if I take it all fuckin back
Would you like a mixed up track
You know I would like a little somthing that is real
So I got tah play it safe
I got more Taste then waste
And it's still over
Just dont care anymore
If you can't see things my way
I won't see yours myself
What about me god?
In my life?
I Still won't care anymore
If your not there for me
I will not be there my self
Because im trapped out
Dead bloated such scum
Maybe things will work themselves out in their own due time
Trapped out dead bloated such scum
Shouldn't have to compromise with my own god damn mind
Trapped out dead bloated scum
All these things are gonna change in this time
Unless I will not try
To be one
You think you fucked this shit up
You didn't you little whore
You think you fucked this shit up
You didn't you little whore
You think you fucked this shit up
You didn't you little whore
You think you fucked this shit
Why lie
Why go on
The song Independence by Flaw is a powerful reflection on the struggles of living in a society that values conformity over individuality. The lyrics describe a protagonist who feels trapped and misunderstood by the world around them, struggling to find their own voice and place in the world. The opening lines reveal a frustration with the strict rules and boundaries of society, suggesting that even simple acts of defiance such as graffiti can be seen as a symbol of personal independence. The chorus highlights a sense of isolation and desperation, as the singer's days are "numbered" and they feel as though they are losing control of their own life.
The second verse of the song takes a more introspective tone, questioning the way in which others perceive the singer's desires and motivations. The lines "you think you know what I pictured, but you mother fucken don't" suggest a frustration with the way in which society tends to impose its own expectations and narratives onto individuals, regardless of their own desires or experiences. The final lines of the song reveal a determination to hold onto one's own sense of self, even if it means feeling isolated or rejected by others. Overall, Independence is a powerful and nuanced reflection on the struggles of maintaining one's own sense of identity and independence in a conformist society.
Line by Line Meaning
That's not fucken graffity that's a sign
The message painted on the wall is not merely street art, it is a warning.
I will read it for you
Allow me to explain its meaning to you.
It says this fucken is private property
The sign indicates that this area is privately owned.
No fucken trespassing
Therefore, you are not welcome to enter without permission.
This means fucken you
In plain language, this means that you are not wanted here.
All my days are numbered any way
I am aware that my time on this earth is limited.
You think you know what I pictured
You may believe that you understand my perspective.
But you mother fucken don't
However, you are mistaken.
So long
Goodbye.
As I have a head But
While I still have a functioning brain.
You can't and you won't
You cannot and will not be able to comprehend my thoughts and feelings.
So at the corner of same decsisions and lines
When faced with similar choices and paths in life.
It takes a life time
It can take a lifetime to learn and discover one's true self.
Don't you see that I don't want you all inside my mind now
Can't you see that I do not wish to share my innermost thoughts and emotions with others?
What if I take it all fucking back
If I were to retract my words and actions altogether,
Would you like a mixed up track
Would you prefer a haphazard and confusing message?
Bet you would like
I assume you would enjoy that version better.
A little something that is real
But I would rather offer something authentic and genuine.
So I got to stand up straight
Therefore, I must remain courageous and resolute in my beliefs.
Cuz I got more patience then hate
I possess greater amounts of patience rather than animosity.
And it's still over
Although the situation has ended already,
Just dont care anymore
I no longer care about the outcome of this conflict.
If you can't see things my way
If you are incapable of understanding and accepting my viewpoint,
I wont see yours myself
Then I refuse to understand your perspective as well.
What about me god?
What is my fate, God, in this world plagued by conflict?
In my life
Throughout my existence,
I still won't care anymore
I will remain apathetic towards the opinions and actions of others.
If your not there for me
If I do not receive your support,
I wont be there my self
Then I will also not provide you with help or assistance.
Because im trapped out
I feel confined and trapped in my own situation.
Dead bloated such scum
I feel like I am drowning and suffocating, like some piece of dirt.
Maybe things will work themselves out in their own due time
Perhaps, things will eventually resolve themselves without any intervention from either side.
Shouldn't have to compromise with my own god damn mind
I should not have to yield or compromise my own thoughts and beliefs for the sake of others.
All these things are gonna change in this time
I believe that circumstances will alter and improve over time.
Unless I will not try
Unless, of course, I am unwilling to attempt to make these changes happen.
You think you fucked this shit up
You may believe that you caused this problem.
You didn't you little whore
However, you were not responsible for this situation whatsoever.
Why lie
So, why continue to deceive yourself and others?
Contributed by Camden F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@forerunner06
this song always gets me pumped up! screams from 3:35 are sick.
@mikerealundergroundmusic8057
Flaw is the best Underground band ever been
@spydrx9
just about one of my all-time favorite fucking songs, no bs
@kaiserregio27
my fav FLAW song!!!!