Do you like rock music? Brighton, England's British Sea Power pose this question in the title of their much-anticipated forthcoming LP out next month, but don't bother asking them how they feel on the topic; just take a listen to the album's first single, "Waving Flags," which drops in the U.K. today.

Taking equal cues from the sprawling melodic nature of Echo and the Bunnymen and the Arcade Fire's epic scale, "Waving Flags" kickstarts with propulsive drums and choral ahhs that set the blissful tone of the track. The band's subtle sense of humor is also on prime display, as the triumphant chorus features lead vocalist Yan singing, "We'll be here for a while / And it's all a joke." If it really is all a joke, than BSP will be the last ones laughing; by the end of this sweeping four-minute tribute to internationalism (and Austrian-born actress Hedy Lemarr), even those who, in fact, don't like rock music will be waving white flags of their own, happily signaling their own sonic surrender. Do You Like Rock Music? drops Feb. 12 via Rough Trade.

Now Hear This: British Sea Power- "Waving Flags" DOWNLOAD MP3

On the Web:
British Sea Power at MySpace
britishseapower.co.uk

Talk: Do you like rock music?