Posted by Flyte are quiet advocates of the craft of songwriting. The group’s slow-paced, considered approach flies under the radar at times, lacking the fireworks of some of their brash peers, but the subtle poetry in their work is something to be relished.
Second album ‘This Is Really Going To Hurt’ builds on the artistic success of their acclaimed 2017 debut, allowing Flyte to further distill their melodic brew. Easy on the ear while plucking at the heartstrings, it’s a mixture of sunshine guitar pop and downbeat acoustic balladry, offering something truly affecting at every turn.
Will Taylor’s voice shines on opener ‘Easy Tiger’, while ‘Losing You’ frankly illuminates the band’s inherent melancholy. Songwriting of a truly classic type, Flyte lean on their influences, while also stamping down with their personality – we’re hearing shades of Neil Young’s ‘Cinnamon Girl’ on ‘There’s A Woman’ and Beatles aspects on the George Harrison esque ‘Trying To Break Your Heart’.
Indeed, the melodic flair of the Fab Four looms large on some Album No 2. Standouts – ‘I’ve Got A Girl’ is a jaunty, McCartney style number, but it certainly isn’t a re-tread of Macca’s illustrious past.
Elsewhere, Flyte at their most open on songs such as ‘Everyone’s A Winner’ or ‘Never Get To Heaven’, with their acoustic work allowing Will Taylor full room for emotional expression. Comparisons switch to Elliott Smith’s legacy, if only in terms of the lyrical directness used at points.
A refined 10 song document that cycles through moods and tones, ‘This Is Really Going To Hurt’ is perhaps the finest example yet of Flyte’s undoubted artistry, and offers yet more proof that they remain one of the country’s most underrated groups.
7/10
Words: Robin Murray
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