The resurrection of the music industry following Scotland’s decision to lift major COVID restrictions on the 3rd of August has been a huge relief to the struggling UK Arts industry and live music lovers alike, who for the first time in over two years, were able to reconnect through music. This palpable excitement added a new meaning to the pressure of giving a good performance, and London-based and literary-inspired Indie band Flyte certainly wowed the audience.
Taking place in the infamous 18th century gothic interior of The Caves on September 21st, the Cowgate venue complimented the ambient atmosphere of the band and offered the characteristic intimacy naturally created between a growing band and a dedicated fan base.
Cathal Murphy and Fake Laugh opened the gig, both providing soulful dream pop performances that fitted neatly with the haunting ambience. Flyte arrived on stage to commence the final segment of the evening and the excitement in the room was discernible. Opening with a 2020 release ‘Easy Tiger’ which led nicely into classics such as ‘Victoria Falls’, ‘Cathy Come Home’ and performances from their most recent album release This Is Really Going To Hurt.
The band did a great job of uniting devoted fans who sang along avidly, and unfamiliar listeners who were also engrossed by the music. The band also included two supporting guests, Suren de Saram of Bombay Bicycle Club and Mathew Field of Beatenberg, both providing incredible performances that beautifully complimented the stunning vocal execution from Flyte. Will Taylor, lead vocalist, did an impressive job of engaging his audience and keeping the atmosphere jovial with well-placed humour, quips and crowd pleasers. Perhaps the most fascinating element of watching the performance especially as a new listener of the band is their relationship to their fanbase. Overall, the night was a huge success and perfectly encapsulated the rush and excitement of live music after its departure for so long.
The commencement of lockdown and a global pandemic changed music and the arts. Music especially became a creative outlet that kept hope and excitement alive when everything else looked quite the opposite. The feeling of slowly returning to normal and seeing these once taken for granted pleasures finally occurring is a euphoria most accurately conveyed by standing amidst a crowd of exhilarated audience members on a Monday evening. Flyte did a wonderful job of constructing a gig that emphasised community, passion and life following a period where they were so harshly ripped away and this ardour and talent was evident throughout the evening.
Image via Fatima Bouzidi
