High Flight Society
High Flight Society

By West

RKT Music, June 2007
Genre: Alternative Rock, Christian
Site: www.hfsrock.com
Rating 4 out of 5

Drive about an hour northwest of Atlanta, and you’ll run into a tiny little community of 10,000 near the center of Polk County, Georgia. Welcome to Cedartown, a simple Southern hometown known for its low crime rate, high humidity and as the birthplace for the Peacock of the Fairways, retired golfer Doug Sanders. But come Summer 2007, Cedartown’s reputation can boast another claim to fame as local band High Flight Society releases its self-titled national debut, an anthemic modern rock creation.

When I first received High Flight Society's album I wasn't too sure what to expect. After seeing the band's photo the immediate response in my head was," Oh God, please not more emo." But as quick as I said these words I was forced to retract them. The album kicks off with leading guitar line kicked into a full gear with the snare hits on two and four. Before I knew it I was enjoying some good solid Rock(and some two finger tapping). They're are plenty of great rock songs to jam out to, and that are not mundane like most Alternative Rock. Such as The 3rd track "Sweet Redeemer" that starts off light but picks up into some great octave guitar harmonization and some very well placed half time drum feels. Other notable hard songs would be "Wake Up", "What’s Wrong", and "Raise Me". Along with the great rock there are some very nice down tempo songs such as "Declaration" and "Escaping". The Album tastefully ends with a great mixture of both elements in "Get By”. Starting off low key for most of the song, it picks up for a final chorus of passion and some great sounding guitar work to bring it home. Instruments wise I enjoyed many of the clean guitar's counter melody exchanges, and as well with lead and rhythm parts in the harder parts. The Bass and Drums keep the train of rock flowing and come out in some great places throughout the album. A few guitar solos here and there that are not too technical, but add to the overall effect. No Petrucis here, but definitely some great talent.

Vocally I enjoyed Jason Wilkes lines, and though he has a similar tone of a lot the alternative rock scene, he shows he has quite versatility in his voice. An interesting observation I made was that he tends to do a certain slide on the long notes, which is very distinct and neat to his style. Truly he is a tenor, because some of his notes were quite nicely pulled off in the range they were sung. Lyric wise the whole album was Christian. It addressed topics from dealing with personal sin, to standing firm in the face of persecution. Definitely many "Declaration[s]" of faith within the album that are extremely encouraging, and are quite nice to listen to in the same instance

Being more of MetalCore kind of guy I could appreciate this album. They demonstrated some great musicianship vocally, and through instrumental, and I could give the album a listen through without asking, " Haven’t I heard this before?". Also considering that the lyrics and message are inspiring and hit home on many subjects, I could connect and enjoy it.