Live Review: Flyte - Village Underground, London 11/11/2019

Tell me to come out on a rainy and arctic-weather-like Monday in Hackney and I would politely tell you do jog right on. Throw Flyte into the mix and you’ve got yourself a deal however.

Knowing I would soon be warmed and wooed by those heart-wrenching harmonies of ‘Archie, Marry Me’ at Village Underground whilst on my cold and dark walk to Liverpool Street Station was like the light at the end of the tunnel; the left over roast potatoes when you think you’ve finished your roast; the pièce de résistance. 

Beginning with the new ones, ‘Victoria Falls’, ‘Sliding Doors’ and ‘Moon Unit’, the atmosphere in the room was one of pure excitement and awe. Whilst you could sense a triumph was being unfold within the room, I whisper to my friend, “How can I be so talentless?” Alas, I was not the first. 

In true Flyte fashion (guess where this is going), ‘I Still Believe In You’ has a quick run in with the Acapella gods, with the band breaking down the Middle 8 before the last chorus into a room of melodies and reverence, before slowly bringing the instruments back in for an explosive final chorus and finish which is met by a resounding applause whilst they’re still playing. Christ I love this band.

A rogue choice, even by Flyte standards, was to then play 5 new songs in a row. I can now confirm that there was not a single complaint in the room, initially however, there was hesitation. In hindsight, this hesitation does not make sense considering the reason we’ve all ventured out into the freezing cold on an utterly miserable Monday night in London; to witness the pure talent-filled and poetic symphonies that these fine men (and the stunning Jess from Staves who is filling in for ex-guitarist and vocals Sam Berridge) have dedicated their lives to crafting and mastering. We were the audience to the crafting of the eighth wonder of the world. Flyte.

“I wrote this song when I was 14… I’m guessing it’s a retrospective to when I was 9?” Will jokes. “Wrote it about all my pain and suffering. I think I was in Beavers at the time.” Discussing the next single to be released, Will notes “It’s a Christmas song. We’re releasing a Christmas song.” The room erupts in applause and cheers. “It’s about divorce… and it’s fucking bleak.” I can confirm that it is fucking bleak, but I’m up for a bit of a cry and sad hours this winter holiday. So it’s alright, Flyte, keep breaking our hearts. Not giving too much away from the new record, Will confirms it’s a pure and simple breakup album. Great, we’re doomed; just when we thought breakups were hard enough, we now have to cry, sob and reflect to whatever masterpiece this is going to be.

Ending the set on ‘Light Me Up’ successfully leaves a sweet and uplifting taste on the tongue to what has been an emotional and lyrically heavy set list. "I'm dying out / and I need you to light me up / light me up.” Part of me will always wonder why they removed this 80’s inspired feel-good’er from their catalogue of songs whenever I hear it. Perhaps to re-release on their new album? We can only hope and pray for our own sake.

Smoothly walking off to begin the shortest encore in history, “We’re gonna go now London. We’ll hopefully see you soon.” Turns out ‘see you soon’ means a minute and a quarter. With absolutely no fucking around at all, the band instantly erupt into their mildly indie-scene famous Alvvays cover, “Archie, Marry Me” before ending on the tightly held hidden gem that is ‘Faithless.’ I never knew London crowds could make so much applause.

Showing utter tenacity and perseverance through their career, mental health and band lineups, Flyte are here to stay and, not ones to rush things, are well and truly in this for the long run. Which, if you ask me, is the best news I’ve heard all week. Until next time, Flyte.

Photography by Milly McAllister

Words by Jordan Logan