Demos

Into Flight - Heart & Head EP

TC 02/04/2009

Rating: 3/5

Prog rock can be a reviewer's nightmare, because if you express a dislike for a particular piece/band, then those that do like it will stone you to death because 'you don't understand it'! Well thankfully, you can put the pebbles down for now, since that doesn't apply to this Norwich/London amalgamation, because I do like it!

Firstly I have to say, I have real concerns about the current 'post-rock' euphoria that seems to be slowly gathering pace, because I fear that most of it will be excuses for elaborate over indulgence and performing passages of music that seem to go on for days on end. I remain firm in the belief that Tangerine Dream fans are only such because of some elitist higher plane of self-envisaged inner perceptiveness (words that only they would pretend to understand). Anyway, enough of all that, because I sense that Into Flight are not looking to skim across such shallow waters.

This is their third EP to date, although the previous one was over two years ago and the first shortly after they got together in 2006 “with the sole intent of making beautiful music”. That philosophy is to be respected and what we have here are four tracks spanning almost 25 minutes that never enters self-indulgence. What it does exude is a passion and belief in what they do, whether you subscribe to it or not. The music is meticulously constructed and has a comfortable flow to it, indicating a team that works well as a unit, with guitars and keyboards sharing, then alternating the forefront. Daniel Hopkinson has a fragile vocal style but it is perfectly cradled by the landscaping melodies, often creating a sound bearing similarity to early Genesis work.

The longest track here is “A Scream For Silence” spanning over ten minutes. It does lose momentum before the close, but manages to hold the listener throughout most of it and, like the other tracks, demonstrates some fine craftsmanship, illustrating a level of proficiency that deserves attention. So check it out those of you who are guilty of the post-rock revival, but please don't be tempted to investigate Tangerine Dream (who continue to release more albums a year than Into Flight can expect to attain in a lifetime!).