Flying High

Jets Overhead’s sophomore studio album is a well-crafted show of musicianship. The collaborative effort of the band is reflected in their lyrics, as most of the members share the vocals of every track.

The album starts off with the melodic “I Should Be Born.” There is nothing outstanding about this track. Yet, it’s the sort of song to which you’ll find yourself humming the tune long after it’s over. The fluid movement of the album is taken further with “Heading for Nowhere.” It’s another song that resonates with you long after it’s over, particularly the last minute when the heavy guitar and percussion beats chime in.

The album slows down its tempo with “Weathervanes (In the Way).” This un-intrusive track is perfect for when you have a lot on your mind, or when you just need some background music that won’t annoy you; and at the same time, keep you focused on what you need to do. While all this is going on, you still remember the song long after it’s over – an unusual feat.

The title track plays with the harmonies as the song is sung in a half round. It’s an interesting arrangement of vocals and instrumentation, which makes the song a pleasant experience to listen to.

“Sure Sign” grabs your attention with its subtle lyrics and melodic music arrangement. The passive-aggressive approach is an intriguing tactic for a song and it works here. However, “Time Will Remember” is too subtle. The piano playing in the beginning makes you groggy where you feel in a state between sleep and wake. Perhaps the intent of this track was a dreamlike state. It’s unfortunate that it works too well.

Jets Overload is at their best when guitars and drums are at the forefront of the song as shown in the track “Fully Shed.” Both instruments propel the storyline forward and force the listener to be involved. You can’t help but try to get what is going on in the song.

Fortunately, the album continues its collaborative ways with “Always a First Time.” Reminiscent of the Nicks/Buckingham era of Fleetwood Mac, this track is easily the best off the album as the harmonies are right on point. “It’s a Funny Thing” continues on with this vibe as the harmonic sounds of both lyrics and understated instrument-playing combine to give a haunting melody that you won’t be able to tear your ear away from. “Tired of the Comfort” is sadly the last song on the album. It is also one of the best since it masterfully uses percussion, drums, guitar, Wurlitzer and Rhodes as a backdrop to deeply, thought-provoking lyrics. It’s the sort of poetry you wish you could write.

Luckily, you can replay it and experience it whenever you like. That is once you get the album. And that’s what you should do.