THE NIGHT FLIGHT ORCHESTRA – Internal Flight
- Posted on 15-08-2012
When you have two headlining metal bands with prolific careers like Soilwork and Arch Enemy, how does one find the time to pursue a left of center throwback classic hard rock record? In the case of vocalist Bjorn ‘Speed’ Strid and bassist Sharlee D’Angelo, you team up with keyboardist Richard Larsson, guitarist David Andersson and drummer Jonas Kallsback to form The Night Flight Orchestra. A lot of times this infusion of talent and ideas can spring forth something spectacular, or often end up being a complete waste of time. Fortunately for us, the 12 songs on "Internal Flight" resonate with those who long for 70’s style classic rock, warm with all the right guitar hooks, vocal harmonies, sweeping background keyboard/ classical instrumentation and thunderous, danceable grooves that appeal to both males and females.
"West Ruth Ave" has a funky disco-like beat against this soaring guitar riff while Speed strides with a clean Southern rock comfort vocal delivery: combining the best of Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, and Thin Lizzy. An understated UFO meets The Beatles keyboard sequence leads the 8:21 epic "Transatlantic Blues"- one of many numbers that illustrates The Night Flight Orchestra’s understanding of the right emotional spirit necessary to develop memorable, timeless rock ‘n roll. Another funky, "Soul Train"-ish number that stuck out immediately would be the title track- Sharlee’s bass and Richard’s keyboards leading the charge while David’s jangly guitar lines weave magic into the bridge and chorus.
Those who criticize Bjorn’s good cop clean chorus work with his main act need to take a deeper listen to his soulful charm on this recording. He takes the best of American and British rock and pours out the right melodies that encourage sing-a-longs for days. It’s something I hope results in more than a one off album for the group- because even the song titles that highlight cities and countries like "Siberian Queen" or "Montreal Midnight Supply" bring a huge smile to my face.
Brilliant, outstanding, and capturing everything I love about 70’s rock- "Internal Affairs" doesn’t reinvent the wheel- it strides gallantly on its own super highway. Buy this by the truck load people, so we can get special shows to hear this material in a live environment- well done gentlemen!