Single Review: Nothing To Declare

Reminiscent of a very cool bar, opened last week by a very cool couple. The type of place you feel mildly uncomfortable walking into, because you’re not in that league. But, the longer you sit, the deeper you sink into the plush cushions, and further you get into that expensive – but delectable – cocktail, the more comfortable you become. You realise the initial feelings of pretentiousness are unfounded. Nothing to Declare, in fact, the entire catalogue from This Flight Tonight would fit well there. It is very cool, but also approachable.

I took the opportunity of not just listening to the song up for review, but explored most of what is available on their website as I feel music needs context. My emotional travel needs time to percolate and delve into the subtle nuance, to get under the surface and see what lies beneath. To find that beautiful bass note ringing inside my chest as they move up the neck. The snare drum hitting a counter beat and lifting your breath imperceptibly. The choice of reverb, harmoniously making the skin tingle. I must admit, there were a few uncomfortable vocal notes in there, but they were given an ethereal quality with a great choice of reverb and effect, that they can be easily forgiven. Pair that with a repetitive guitar riff and you have the momentum of a dream you’re hypnotically paralysed in.

Generally the genre conversation is tedious and unhelpful for me, but even I am somewhat surprised Ralph Warren Eagle choose to call his music, rock. He redeems himself entirely when describing This Flight Tonight as conjuring “up images of the emotional departures and arrivals gates at airports. It’s those moments of change and new beginnings.” The feeling of whimsicality, dreaming, longing and exploring are present and palpable. There is a feeling of anticipation, and I am a big fan of unfinished endings. Who needs resolution?

_{Review written by Tori Reed}