Farewell Flight – Out For Blood

My last review package contained two Stereo Vs Mono Records releases.  One was my hotly anticipated pop-punk gem Deas Vail, while the other was relative-newcomer Farewell Flight.  Where Deas Vail took somewhat of a detour from the sound I was anticipating, leading to a disappointing first listen, Farewell Flight picked up the slack with proof that label managers Relient K know how to surround themselves with fresh, likeminded talent.  Their label debut, Out For Blood, doesn’t just make a stellar first impression, but runs strong from start to finish, aging well with each consecutive listen.

The band plays a mature brand of indie rock similar in substance to the Relient K of today, and not unlike the fragile hand of Death Cab For Cutie.  Out For Blood exemplifies a spot on balance between memorable pop hooks and pensive, thoughtfully crafted indie prowess.  Vocalist Luke Foley’s superb emotive control melds with sincere lyrics right from the get go.  “All I want is for someone to love me unconditionally” he pleads in opener “Sailor’s Mouth,” in a line that would sound flat if by the tongue by most others.  Foley’s tone ranges from weary and defeated (“Over”) to upbeat and hopeful/defiant (“Out For Blood”).  He’s a pleasure to listen to, commanding a conversational openness that leads to the type of honesty typically reserved for private exchanges between best friends.

Guided by the silken spread of lofty piano keys and the soft glow of acoustic and electric guitars, the hooks effortlessly melt to memory with unique sonic fingerprints.  “American Will Break Your Heart” leaves its mark with the cheerful tingle of bells softening an already folky acoustic charm, while “Cruel” sounds as if it could be the work of post-punk masters Brand New.  This extends into the lyrical realm as well, with “Widower” fronting listeners with a story of the regrets of a thirty-five year old womanizer realizing the emptiness of his decisions.  Out For Blood mines the listener’s conscious and even in this world of superficiality and face value limits, evokes a fully developed sense of empathy.

Farewell Flight deserves the success that will inevitably blossom from Out For Blood.  With an infectious, sincere, and easy to digest vibe, Farewell Flight won me over in a heartbeat, and I suspect they’ll do the same to most who give them a shot.  So if you like cool, soft indie with a definite pop punk leaning, Farewell Flight is a name you need to know.