The Flying Symbols

The Flying Symbols - On Our Own

(S/R – 2023)

(Style: High Octane Rock)

The joy of being both a photographer and reviewer is exemplified by this band and their debut album. The Flying Symbols are a band from Saffron Walden, they have recently won Cambridge Band Competition. I was at The Cambridge Junction to see the Guitar wizard, Troy Redfern, the support band were the Symbols and wow did they put on a great show!

Their delivery and musicianship was exceptional, after their slot I spoke to the band members and explained how impressed I was. I learned that ‘On Our Own’ was their debut album and that they have a new record out shortly. I asked if I could review their 2023 release for Metalliville Zine, I was delighted when they agreed, what a nice bunch of blokes, what a discovery!

Just where do I start with this review? Are these youngsters the future of Rock? Well no. But that does not takeaway from just how good ‘On Our Own’ is. It is raw with negligible production that makes it sound real, vital and alive. Each song carves out its own identity, there are no frills it is just honest and superb.

Each member plays their distinctive part, Frontman, Pete Cornell exudes personality as he performs each song, Bassist, John Clements and Drummer, Matt Drewing provide the perfect foundations as each song takes on a life of its own. Joe Boutel than decorates the music with some scintillating guitar, which makes The Flying Symbols sound unique and current.

The record opens with ‘Serial Killer’ which starts with a burst of drums before a punky riff takes over, the track is edgy and has punctuated beats, which ends abruptly.

Having hit hard and mean on the opener ‘On Our Own’ is a complete change of pace. It begins with a gentle acoustic opening then becomes an Essex kind of 'Freebird' almost Southern Rock thing, the bass provides a great rhythm and the guitar enhances greatly, but it is that almost haunted voice that makes it so almost familiar yet different.

‘Invisible Dots’ sees our bass man get inventive, before the track goes psychedelic, the MC5 and the proto punk of early Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop spring to mind.

‘The Stalker’ is a nightmarish horror tale which is full of drama, it is menacing, dark and captivating. Definitely my favourite so far, live this could and should be an experience to remember. ‘Cornell’ is disturbingly magnificent as the song creeps up and overwhelms you the victim! Utterly compelling.

After the bleakness of the previous number where will The Flying Symbols go next? What a clever idea to go for a fun filled bit of Rockabilly, Rock and Roll, with the ‘Joker’. A quick one, two, three, four introduces the song which is a blast. Scorching lead guitar peppered with pulsating drumming make this another great tune, as Cornell’s vocals have another twist in the delivery.

We are just past the mid-point; each song is creative and has an individual identity that sets this band and album apart. Time to move on to ‘Blinkered’ a nice gentle intro makes this similar to the second track, it is kind of Countrified Southern Rock, embellished with tasty teasing guitar that then goes on a rampaging run as Cornell screams ‘I’m going out of my mind’.

Now for some fun, the Dickies had a hit with the ‘Banana Splits’ The Flying Symbols attempt something similar that should appeal to all punks, Zebedee, Florence, Dougal, Dylan and Brian, it’s the ‘Magic Roundabout’. 70’s punk revisited, in great fashion.

‘Blue Sky’ gives the whole group a chance to jam as they take us on a trip that has you transported back to free love, Hendrix and all those hippies, everyone shines and everyone loses their minds. Stunning!

And finally, we reach the end of the album with the 6 minutes of ‘Veins’ a monstrous number that simply grows and grows with intensity and passion.

This whole album has blown me away, I am one lucky man to have listened and reviewed this. Can’t wait for the next one.

By Paul Mace