I met The Sun Flights by happy accident while smoking a cigarette outside of Johnny Brenda’s after a Purling Hiss show. Natalie Butts (vocals & guitar) and Claire Duncombe (vocals) make up the folk inspired, song writing duo armed only with an acoustic guitar and ethereal harmonies. We share a mutual friend who can not sing enough of their praises and after introductions I pass them a business card while making plans to see one of their shows.
Not quite sure what to expect I venture down to the Fire, a quaint venue who's night boasts a lineup in which all the acts are fronted by gorgeous women with fiercely strong vocals. The Sun Flights are playing first and their set list is made up of sweet gems from their self titled EP, which they have described as "meant to reflect a moment in time, both in the sound and in the song’s stories". I am impressed and any doubts melt away as the Sun Flights take wing and shine. Their set is brief and it's structure well thought out, as they close with their strongest song, "I am a Robot". Butts masterfully finger picks the guitar as her fingers work furiously into the into the intro and Duncombe's voice beckons me like a siren closer to the stage. The song's brilliance is not just the sonic appeal, but the abrupt and numerous tempo and key changes that aren't sporadic but add depth and ties the composition together. This song is a testament to the talented songwriters and the effectiveness of their minimalist approach to stripping music down to it's bare bones.
After their set I catch up for a quick recap, both almost trance-like as they have completely immersed themselves in the sound of the next band. We can only talk briefly between each set as they are staunch supporters of their fellow musicians, unwilling to miss even a single moment from the other acts. Making the most of my time I suggest cutting outside the venue to share smokes. After gushing a bit more than is appropriate for an aspiring journalist, I inquire about the more technical aspects of the band, specifically about the ornate EPs with elaborate hand drawn inserts laid neatly out on the table, I am shocked that these handmade offerings are being offered up with no set price. Butts acknowledges their possible naivety but she proclaims “I’ll always be an artist first” and adds emphatically that she has faith the Philadelphia music fans will appreciate what the group is trying to do and appropriately compensate. We talked about the possibility of a full length album and the possible addition of more musicians added to the Sun Flight roster, but the next act is coming on and the Sun Flights once again leave me wanting more.
http://thesunflights.bandcamp.com
http://www.sunflightsmusic.com/
