Flight Mode is gearing up to unleash their debut LP, The Three Times, their first release with Tiny Engines. The album encompasses the Norwegian trio’s EPs TX, ’98, Torshov, ’05, and Tøyen, ‘13; the last one set for release on February 2nd alongside the collection.
The album strikes a delicate balance, evoking both familiarity and nostalgia while injecting a fresh and contemporary feel. It feels quite timeless and also quite new. The Three Times contains guitar-work inspiration from Death Cab for Cutie, melodies reminiscent of The Weakerthans, and energy a la Jimmy Eat World seamlessly woven throughout.
I could go on about the many inspirations I hear and the objective talent displayed on this album from a technical point of view. While firmly rooted in the emo/indie revival, The Three Times stands out as more than a nostalgic trip for me. It is a creative triumph, not only catering to classic emo fans but providing a cinematic journey through the life of singer/songwriter Sjur Lyseid.
The album unfolds in three acts, with the first four songs hailing from Flight Mode’s debut EP TX, ’98. This segment, soaked in Transatlanticism ethos, encapsulates adolescent contemplation and growth, presenting a story unique to the experiences of a young punk in the basements of Dallas suburbs. The very bands that inspired this record appear, not directly, but as hazy cameo’s in our mind’s visualization while listening.
Moving into the second act, the album’s centerpiece is sourced from EP Torshov, ’05. These tracks embody Lyseid’s jaded mid-20s self. They navigate the realms of uninspired parties, dead-end jobs, and relationships, resonating with an unmistakable emo-coded energy. A notable moment for me occurs in “Blinks,” where Lyseid seems to be chasing someone lost in bad decisions. “You’re spinning on your heels right there when he said: ladies and gentlemen, we are floating in alcohol to make music to get drunk to,” Lyseid sings. He goes on, “I rolled my eyes, and blinked until I cried.”
The final act, featuring the EP Tøyen, ‘13, introduces Lyseid in his thirties. The subtle shift in the weight of these songs mirrors the heaviness of true adulthood, delving into themes of life, death, anxiety, and disillusion. Despite the dark subject matter, these songs connect with the listener in a mature and human way. And this brings me to my overall obsession with this release. What sets The Three Times apart is its meta nature—it weaves the influences I mention above through Lyseid’s personal experiences. Growing with him, you pick up on the nuanced shifts in tone and ambiance as the character (Lyseid, himself) grows and changes. This creates a remarkable and thoughtful listening experience. I encourage you to truly immerse yourself in this and let The Three Times take you on a captivating musical landscape.
The Three Times is out everywhere on February 2nd. Listen to the latest single here, “Surprised At All,” here:
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