Treetop Flyers have been through a lot since their debut album landed in 2013, both personally and professionally, but thankfully they have come through the other side, dropped new album Palomino and are now on a short tour to promote it.
The lovely Day & Night Cafe in the uber hip Northern Quarter of Manchester hosted the band on a cold Thursday April night when their new album was given a run out. Debut album The Mountain Moves seemingly gave the impression of the band as a folk-rock outfit, but Palomino takes several twists and turns and expands their sound significantly to include prog, soul and americana. My first experience of the band was on a sunny festival afternoon, so I was looking forward to the indoor show experience and wasn’t disappointed.
Singer Reid Morrison has the most wonderful soulful and unexpected voice, and various songs on Palomino show it off to its best, including title track You, Darling You, with the rest of the band performing the harmonies.
Several tracks on the album clock in at over the 6 minute mark, and in the live setting, seem even more at home. Keyboard player Sam takes on the vocal duties on Lady Luck, and what a voice he has too by the way, and closer for the night Dance Through The Night will quickly become a live favourite with its funky, proggy, groovy dance beat.
Several other tracks from Palomino made up the set, including Sleepless Nights, 31 Years and Never Been As Hard, along with opener from debut album Things Will Change also gets an airing.
The word joyous came to mind when I first saw them in that field, sitting in the sunshine with a cider, and I’m pleased to report that feeling remains even on a cold dark night in Manchester. Reid was constantly engaging with the audience, the band clearly having a great time playing their new tunes live.
Treetop Flyers are a fabulously talented band, and now they have 2 albums to their name, are able to expand their live repertoire even further. Catch them live to see for yourself, and preferably at a festival in the sun.
Keith @kjsmith4082
Pic below from Leicester gig and taken by Paul.
