FLIGHT-09
"Human
Nature"
(Neurosis Records; 2004)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
If you Google "Flight-09," you'll find them described more than once as "Cathedral rock music." I don't really know what that means but I can tell you what Flight 09's "Human Nature" sounds like to me: It sounds like early Alice Cooper or very early Blue Oyster Cult with moments of Pink Floyd thrown in for good measure. In other words, as modern as "Cathedral rock music" might sound, "Human Nature" has a much more classic sound to it.
As Mr. Kelter notes about the band's previous effort, "Forbidden Lullabies," "Human Nature" finds the band displaying an even higher level of confidence and direction. Flight-09 has obviously found their voice and there's not a messy or loose song anywhere to be found here.
The band is at their very best on the tracks with haunting BOC edge. The first two tracks are probably the best example of this. Both "Eternal Disgrace" and "Watching Your Soul" are old-fashioned rockers with a story to tell. When the band gets more progressive, as they do on "The Crow," or give in to the token ballad ("When the Sleeper Wakes Up") things slow down a little bit but never to the point of distraction. Amazingly, it all works.
"Human Nature" is undoubtedly Flight-09's best CD to date. I look forward to what the band has to offer in the future.
Flight-09: Igor Savich on vocals, guitars, and keyboards, Constantine Savich on bass, and Art Piyanzin on drums and backing vocals.
For more information visit http://www.progressor.net/flight09.
"Forbidden
Lullabies"
(Neurosis Records; 2003)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Flight-09's newest release, "Forbidden Lullabies," is not much different than their debut, "Rifflections." "Forbidden Lullabies" features nine tracks that tread the same Trower/Erickson mold that the band previously explored. However, the band is a bit more focused on more of a slow-burning, mid-tempo rocker style. The slower pace brings the band's improved songwriting to the forefront and allows the six-string workouts of guitarist Igor Savich to stand front and center.
Even just one spin of "Forbidden Lullabies" makes it clear that Flight-09 are operating on a higher level of confidence than they did on their debut. The better songwriting makes its mark quickly by allowing the band to stretch out and explore many musical threads within the confines of each tune.
The sound and production on "Forbidden Lullabies" is crystal clear which makes every track on the disc more than just an intriguing listen (as I alluded to in my review of their debut disc). While I have no doubt that Flight-09's abilities have improved over the past year I also know that the improved sound quality allows the intent of the band's songs to shine through at all times.
Fans of Robin Trower, Craig Erickson, and Eric Clapton will appreciate
Flight-09's "Forbidden Lullabies."
"Forbidden Lullabies" was produced by Vitaly Menshikov. As noted previously, the production on
"Forbidden Lullabies" is much improved over
"Rifflections."
Flight-09: Igor Savich on vocals, guitars, and keyboards, Constantine Savich on bass, and Art Piyanzin on drums and backing vocals.
For more information visit http://www.progressor.net/flight09.
"Rifflections"
(Neurosis Records; 2002)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Flight-09 is a classic guitar rock band from the tiny Eastern European country of Uzbekistan (there's no doubt in my mind that Flight-09 marks the first time the country of Uzbekistan has appeared on the pages of Rough Edge). Flight-09's "Rifflections" has ten tracks of guitar-based rock in the vein of Robin Trower and Craig Erickson. Other classic American rock sounds varying from boogie to Southern rock are also featured. The wide variety of sounds and styles makes "Rifflections" an intriguing listen.
For the most part the main force in Flight-09's music is the guitar although the band does dip into a keyboard-prominent sound on occasion ("Memory"). Flight-09 has a pretty good grip on writing a hook filled song, too. All of the songs on "Rifflections" are catchy toe-tappers.
"Rifflections" won't register very high on the metal or hard rock scales, but Flight-09 plays their mellow classic rock/blues rock hybrid very well. Fans of Eric Johnson, Rick Hunter Band, and Eric Clapton's more pop-oriented material will like Flight-09's "Rifflections."
"Rifflections" was produced by Vitaly Menshikov and recorded in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Overall, the production is clean, but it lacks punch. The recording could have used a little more boost in the sonic delivery.
Flight-09 is Igor Savitch on vocals, guitar, harmonica, and keyboards, Constantine Savitch on bass, and Artemy Piyanzin on the drums.
For more information visit http://www.progressor.net/flight09.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
