Album Review: Flights ‘History Be Kind’

Rating:

History Be Kind is the debut album from Bristol alternative rock band Flights. After the success of their debut self titled EP in 2011, creating a whirlwind of favourable reviews. Now they’re back with a debut album to hopefully impress again.

If you’re looking for an album with catchy tunes and repeated lyrics then this isn’t the album for you, but if you’re looking for a change with unique instrumentation, this album is perfect. It’s full of guitars used to their full potential with that harsh beating drum. Not on all tracks, but the majority. Flights open the album with ‘Storms’, a song which is slowed right down – an unusual way to open an album but done fantastically with its delicate, poetic lyrics creating an atmosphere as if you’re floating on clouds.

The next track, ‘Empire Gone’, is a more upbeat number with a strong opening riff to what I feel could be one of strongest songs on the album. It shifts the energy from a slow track by adding more melodies and a soaring chorus, while ‘The Ghost Of Things’ is a track which is more cacophonous towards the end, showing Flights in their spotlight. This  track is a personal favourite: ‘Yellow Bentines’ pulls the album into a whole new world with its ear ringing harmonies and the basic but interesting melody. Considering its one of the shortest track on the album, it holds a high place for the strongest.

‘Disappointed But Not Surprised’ sees Flights switch the tables and deliver a whole new sound, introducing a fashionable drum beat and shimmering guitar melody in the background, and pulls the album together. ‘Tired And Worn’ shows the band’s true talent. This song is well written, showcasing ideas from their last EP and expanding them. ‘Night Pool Supervisor’ shows a whole new side to the album adding a haunting vibe, transporting you to a whole new universe.

‘Borrowed Time’ will certainly keeping you eager to listen to the track in full with its fluctuating pace, and injects another unusual vibe into the track. A layer of distortion music is built up to create this track. Most debut albums like to close with a bang, something to build up the big finish. However Flights have been very clever with ‘Doubts’, a slow moving track adding nostalgia with the storytellers past showing why this song deserves to be last. A very wise move.

Flights have brought a whole new sound to the board by experimenting with different types of noise, creating worthy pieces. However the album seemed to have rolled into one and still seem unsure what their definite sound is. Overall it is a very unique debut album and I am very impressed.

‘History Be Kind’ is out now via Scylla Records.

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Anna Hughes

@annahughesss_

Anna Hughes

Anna Hughes

Hi Im Anna. Im an aspiring music journalist in the making, well hopefully. Im 16 years old studying Maths,English Combined Geography and Psychology at A-level hoping to go to uni to fulfil my ambition in music journalism. Im a big fan of music with having a ranging taste. Catfish and The Bottlemen & The Courteeners hold a high place in favourite bands.
Anna Hughes

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