Flight-09 - "Rifflections"
(Neurosis Records 2002)
Flight-09 - "Rifflections"
(Neurosis Records 2002)
From Aural Innovations #22 (January 2003)
How many bands do you know from Tashkent, Uzbekistan? I sure as hell don't know any, but leave it to Rick Ray to find one that plays down n dirty hard Blues rock that is gorgeously melodic and often displays a progressive edge. Flight-09 have apparently been rocking for over 20 years and this is their first release outside their homeland. The band consists of Igor Savitch on guitar, keyboards, harmonica and vocals, Constantine Savitch on bass and Artemy Piyanzin on drums.
The disc opens with what turned out to be my favorite song. "I Pay" begins with Bluesy but trippy slide guitar, harmonica and swirly synth sounds, but quickly launches into a kick ass down n dirty hard rock Blues tune. The rhythm section of Constantine and Artemy is basic but capable, and Igor cranks out thumping chords and heartfelt heavy rock Blues licks, and even has a vocal style that reminds me of Neurosis label head Rick Ray.
Most of the remaining tracks cover varied ground. We've got peaceful love songs "She's Dancing Alone" & "Colour Of My Pain") with beautiful arrangements and catchy melodies, Catchy pop tunes that retain the band's grungy bar band feel ("If I Could"), Bluesy jazz rock ("Bad Girl"), and seriously get down soulful funk ("Just Do It"). My other favorite was "Memory", a beautiful song that fans of melodic progressive rock will swoon over.
In summary, Flight-09 won't blow you away with monster musicianship, but they are competent on their instruments, more than capable songwriters and arrangers, and if you're like me and are a sucker for hard rock with a Bluesy Prog edge than you'll more than likely dig this band.
Rifflections is available for $7 payable to Rick Ray and sent to Neurosis Records; 20301 Ball Ave; Euclid, OH 44123.
For more information you can email Neurosis Records at: hobbelshnimp@hotmail.com.
Reviewed by Jerry Kranitz