Frank Flight Band: Remains

Almost a decade and a half in existence before finally committing their ideas to disc, Remains is now the third offering from Frank Flight Band in just under five years. The band themselves bill what they do as Psychedelic/Progressive Rock, which is fairly accurate, although to me Remains is more of a Blues based jam album, with some Progressive leanings and the odd Psych tinge. However there's certainly nothing wrong with that, is there? Neither is there anything wrong with any of the seven songs on this album, although that doesn't mean that throughout, everything could be described as an unmitigated success either. Individually the songs here all have something of worth to say, yet put them together and the length of time they all take to even consider getting their message across does become an issue.

Named after their guitarist and backing vocalist, I would however be as bold to suggest that while Mr. Flight's contributions to this album are admirable, it is the fiery nature of the Page meets Clapton like lead guitar work from Alex Kenny which offers most interest; the classy keyboards from Michael "Woody" Woodward coming a close second. Kenny really is a talent and one which is capable of making bold, yet considered statements as he weaves his spell across the likes of "The Island" and "Dark Waters". Although it is the extended outro to "Cat" where he really lets loose, rescuing in real style a song that had threatened to outstay its welcome. The aforementioned keyboards bring an unexpected Stranglers feel on occasion, while the vocals from Andy Wrigley are, as much of Remains is, languid and relaxed, yet still rather seductive.

For all its lack of urgency and forcefulness, I've still found what FFB do to be rather engaging, if not something I would listen to repeatedly. However when the mood takes for a classy, retro slice of Blues with a broader outlook, there's no denying that Remains suddenly comes into its own, even if, at times, the overly jamming nature can lead to a slightly more challenging background music feel. I'm sure if Frank Flight Band turned up at your local club, they'd prove to be a superb evening's entertainment, however on disc I'd guess they may remain a more acquired proposition. Yet somehow I can't stop myself from being rather taken by the sounds they create.

Track Listing
1. The Ballad of Alice Grey
2. Dark Waters
3. Remains
4. The Island
5. Razor Glass
6. Sinaloa
7. Cat

Added: March 2nd 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Frank Flight on facebook
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Language: english

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