It was the last day of barn on the farm when I was first introduced the beauty of Flyte’s music. Whilst their performance on the outdoor stage was exquisite, the entire crowd intimately swaying with the pure poetry coming out of the band, it was actually afterwards that I fully realised the power and finesse that their lyricism holds. In a group of 15 or so people, late into the night, a couple of drinks in , with acclaimed musicians and fans of the band alike, I took part in a beautiful acoustic sing along to “white roses”, a song which before that day I had never heard, but continued to think about and listen to on the daily, to the point of obsession. It was then I decided to delve into the artistry which is Flyte as a band, and also as a summoner of unity, a confessor of love and heartbreak and everything in between.
With the announcement of their third studio album, I knew that I had to capture and bring myself back to that moment on the farm, and I can happily say that I was able to do so, at the iconic Strange brew venue.
To begin, Will and Nick and the rest of the band are probably some of the loveliest guys around, the sense of immediate familiarity that they capture in their songs is mirrored perfectly by their stage presence, not too much, but not too little, they certainly let their music do the talking, the quiet peacefulness of the crowd was not a bad thing, it seemed instead to be an awed moment of calm from everyone’s busy lives, each and every person taking in the band in their own ways.
The fifteen track set list started with the delicate “Speech Bubble” the third single released for their new album “ Flyte” and a continuation into the love letters the boys have embedded within their heartbreakingly sincere songs. Whilst I found it a shame that I couldn’t hear the voices of Billie Marten, Lily Newmark and Katie Silvester live, the rest of the band harmonised beautifully, and I’m sure it was a treat to have witnessed it live at Koko in London a day before.
the intimate atmosphere of the show never strayed, the glow of the rainbow coloured lights bouncing off of the disco ball, aided the band with bringing together the soothing set list that they had curated carefully for this tour, but I was extremely happy to see some of their older tracks make an appearance, such as “Everyone’s a winner” an upbeat arranged track filled to the brim with the complexities of modern day relationships rightfully beloved by their adoring fans. Having had the chance to watch their soundcheck I was ecstatic to also hear one of my all time favourite songs “ Victoria Falls” played not once, but twice. Its’ lyrics tell a relatable tale of when emotions “overflow” and take over your body; the feeling of uncertainty when it feels like nobody can understand the complexities of the mind.
In terms of the new tracks off the album, “Even on bad days” comes at a very low point in the year, when the weather gets dark, and its hard to find a light, the soothing harmonies of Taylor and Hill enveloped the venue like a warm hug, I noticed couples, friends and family gripping onto each other, a deep rooted sense of familiarity and comfort being spun to the enraptured crowd.
“Tough love” was another highlight of the night for me, its cheerier strumming patterns contrasting massively with the lyrics sung in duet with Laura Marling on the albums recording, but powerfully brought more to life with Hill and the rest of the band joining in.
The night ended perfectly, almost mirroring the night I first heard the track all those months ago. ‘White roses” was sung in perfect acapella, the silence of the crowd highlighting the respect between both band, and artist, and truly showed the level of skill the the London born band has acquired on their journey to this point.
If anybody hasn’t seen Flyte, I couldn’t recommend them enough, their expertise in writing life’s poetry should not go unnoticed, and taking a look at their discography will certainly take them into further stratospheres of appreciation which I think they deserve!
Rosie Risdale @rosie_sh00ts
Role: Photographer / Reviewer / Interviewer
I am a portrait, fashion, and music photographer. I review and interview, and am also available for press shoots and album covers.
Qualification: Attending the University of the West of England for photography
Available for: Gig Shoots, Gig Reviews, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots, Interviews and Touring
First attended gig: The first gig I ever went to was to watch Bad Sounds at SWX in Bristol. The last was Conan Gray!
First gig shot: The first gig I ever shot was for an amazing band called Overpass.
Dream gig: I would die to see, shoot, or interview Loyle Carner!
