It seems an age ago when I first saw Treetop Flyers play a barnstorming set at the then newly formed Deershed festival. Their West Coast harmonies going down perfectly as we sat in the sun and drank cider. Shortly after, debut album The Mountain Moves was released on the ever wonderful Loose Music label, and everyone was happy.
And that was that...even their own website was only sparsely populated with the odd gig here and there. So it with great pleasure that follow up album Palomino is released, still with the ever dependable Loose Music. Apparently the band have been through some tough times in the intervening years between debut and follow up and some clues are held within the album itself.
Opening track You, Darling You quickly gets into its stride and allays any doubts about what their sound may have evolved into over the last few years. The track is apparently about a failed marriage, however the theme does in no way dampen the beautiful harmonies and groove this track delivers. Gorgeous song, with a strong Crosby Stills & Nash influence, but contemporary and fresh as a daisy.
So the scene is set, and there will be no surprise to learn that Jonathan Wilson was on mixing duties for the album which was recorded at their own Soup Studios in London.
Various events have moulded the shape of this album; the death of close friends and parents, the aforementioned broken marriage, cash flow problems and the departure of their long term bass player, but often after adversity, something beautiful emerges, and so it is with Palomino.
Lady Luck has Wilson’s hallmark stamped all over it ; Midlake style flute, piano up close and personal and restrained guitar breaks. A 6 minute slice of melancholic beauty.
Dance Through The Night is another track clocking in at over the 6 minute mark. It’s an almost jazz/prog fusion beast of a song, with unexpected twists and turns along the way and a surprise, but in a good way, addition to the album.
Next track St Andrew’s Cross is a much simpler affair of predominantly acoustic guitar and harmonies which vocalist Reid Morrison wrote about the passing of his father. A song of redemption.
31 Years is also a song about the passing of a loved one, however the band decided that the best tribute would be an upbeat groove which would also double up as lead single from the album.
Wild Winds closes the album, and is an intense, complex arrangement and featuring the albums only guitar solo. "Never let your wild wind blow” Good advice.
This is an album born of London but with its heart on the West Coast of the States, very much bathed in sunshine and with a sea breeze blowing in through the window. Sit back, enjoy and let it wash over you. Great to have you back Treetop Flyers.
9/11
Keith @kjsmith4082