Flyte Album Review
Flyte’s newly released self-titled album offers a somber yet comforting collection of songs perfect for curling up in front of a fire and enjoying a cup of tea. The album is an ode to finding the beauty in the little things: the leaves falling in autumn, the days growing shorter in the winter, and the simple beauty of a slow life, where every day is an opportunity to grow and experience something new.
The album begins with “Speech Bubble,” my personal favorite, a cozy and comforting song that feels like falling asleep while wrapped up in a warm blanket. Lyrics like “Let me be the pencil/ That holds up your hair/ The dollar in a suitcase/ Under the stairs” take this song to another level, where it becomes a sweet tribute to the ebb and flow of relationships. Later in the song, lyrics like “Heartbreak it takes practice/ And I think I'm getting better at this” give the track a melancholy spin while remaining hopeful.
Flyte continues with “Defender,” a song about a relationship slipping away. The vocals in this track are the most longing and heartbreaking of the entire album, fitting perfectly with the lyrics. The album continues with “Press Play,” a slightly more upbeat track about chasing your dreams that feels like taking a spontaneous road trip with the one you love. “Press Play” is one of my favorites because the song feels conclusive and comforting like you are being reassured that you are not alone in your feelings and that you are deserving of going after what you want.
The next track, “Don’t Forget About Us,” switches gears as the song returns to the album’s more somber tone. Featuring Billie Marten, the song fits perfectly with the rest of the album as her longing vocals float in the background. Perfect Dark is a more rustic track that is still in keeping with the album’s relaxing folk sound.
“Perfect Dark” is followed by “Even On Bad Days,” another personal favorite song about taking the good with the bad:
“Even on bad days the phones are gonna ring
Even on bad days the world is gonna spin
Our arms are gonna cradle
Our hips are gonna kiss.”
The album continues with “Tough Love,” featuring Laura Marling, a more upbeat and powerful track that features a building of instrumentals at the end, which sets the track apart from the rest of the album. The song successfully captures the ups and downs and complications of a relationship, which is expressed beautifully as the song is equal parts hopeful and longing. Tough Love is followed by “Amy,” a more upbeat and groovy track, and “Chelsea Smiles,” a sweet track with simple instrumentals reminiscent of 1960s folk music.
The album closes with “Better Than Blue,” a metaphor for overcoming sadness and seeing the good in the little things around you, and Bedtime Reminder, a track that wraps up the album beautifully. The track is a good mix of somber and uplifting lyrics and instrumentals, which captures the essence of the entire album.
Give Flyte’s reflective and thoughtful self-titled album a listen as you transition into the slower fall and winter months, and be sure to check out their previous work for more cozy and nostalgic tracks.