Review: Flyte – The Loved Ones
British band Flyte have finally released their long-awaited ten-track album and it does not disappoint doting fans — who have been waiting since 2014 for something of this length.
Fans have been eager for the London group’s LP since the release of a few teaser tracks earlier in the year. ‘Victoria Falls’ and ‘Echoes’ offered within mere weeks of each other, showed the band solidifying their sound with pure confidence.
The eerily effortless four-part harmonies tie together in the most ‘healing-the-soul’ kind of way. They highlighted this most in ‘Orphans of the Storm’ and ‘Little White Lies’. Frontman Will Taylor’s voice falls sweetly on the ears, and the voices of Sam Berridge, Jon Supran, and Nick Hill blend together perfectly, just like the instrumental sounds they create.
The opening track, ‘Faithless’, was released a few days before the LP and was a favourite worldwide. The track leading itself to fan covers just hours after its release. The psychedelic vibe it plants into your head is reminiscent of The Beatles with the quick changing pace and gentle piano that quickly merges into something more awake and ready to shake you up at any moment.
Whereas ‘Echoes’ and ‘Sliding Doors’ sound like they walked right out of the score of a John Hughes film, ‘Cathy Come Home’ shows some clear and dark themes while being backed by a paradoxically cheerful melody. ‘Spiral’ showcases what the band do best, create sounds that are full, powerful and strong all whilst masquerading as nostalgic, when really forcing you to look at the present.
Over the years since their formation, Flyte has released a flurry of tracks, each one seeming as a step forward on their journey to find their sound. From ‘Please Eloise’ all the way back to ‘We Are The Rain’, the differences between now and then in terms of craftsmanship are vast but the overall impression their music leaves on you, remains unchanged as it is clear to hear they nailed that the first time around.
With regards to live performance, the band have supported the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club and Lucy Rose, they are often a highlight of the night with their set due to their effortless yet electric performance. Their connections to one another brighten on stage as they have clearly found their calling, often joking around with the audience, who, without fail, are always asking for one more song.
8/10