Keep Flying is a punk rock/pop punk band that is sure to make a name for themselves in the months and years to come. The chemistry between each band member on stage puts them in unison the entire show. If one bounces, they all bounce; if one jumps, they all jump. From standing on the stage equipment holding a trombone and leaning into the crowd to the nonstop energy that EVERY member displays, the band knows how to put on a show! Their stage presence and authentic style will blow away every music fan that has the privilege of seeing them perform. Keep Flying opened up for The Story So Far on November 22nd, 2017.
When I walked to the bar at Revolution Bar & Music Hall in Amityville, NY, my attention was drawn towards the merchandise area the band had set up. The designs on the apparel they had were awesome. When I told the guy selling the merchandise (D.Jay) that I wanted to buy a shirt, he asked if I could wait 10 minutes so he could set up on stage to perform. Immediately, another band member (Henry) came over to take care of me. With only 10 minutes before their set time, the guys of Keep Flying were willing to miss crucial prep time to sell their merchandise to a fan. You won’t see many bands sacrificing the short time they have to set up on stage to connect with their fans. It was amazing.
Being the first opener of a three opener bill can be intimidating, especially when each of the three opening bands have completely different styles. With three different styles comes three different types of audience members. If Keep Flying was going to gain the attention of the crowd, they would have to come out swinging, and that is exactly what they did. The guys started off their set with Safety Harbor off of their first EP, Follow Your Nightmares. “That day I could’ve been anyone I wanted to be but, that day I just wanted to be me” echoed through the venue as the band began their set. Just like the lyrics, the band did not try to change their style to accommodate the mixed audience. They rocked hard and won the crowd with their genuine signature style and amazing guitar riffs.
What blew me away was the way the band incorporated the horns (trombone and saxophone). Have you ever heard a song and/or band that immediately puts a smile on your face? That one song or band that will put you in a good mood no matter what your day has been like? The horn section of the band makes sure that happens with each song. The horns add major emphasis to the unique sound and style that Keep Flying presents. (and NO, they are NOT a ska band). Hearing those horns immediately brought me back to the early days of Four Year Strong (another pop-punk band that is worth checking out) with their incorporation of the electrical keyboard. Just like FYS, Keep Flying comes with a completely unique sound that is sure to win over the ears of music fans all over the world.
As the band continued with their set, they continued to prove why they are going to be a band that people will remember. Remember, Keep Flying was the first of three opening bands. The first band is typically the band with the least exposure, the one with the most to gain. As the first opener, their goal is to gain a few new fans from the crowd. To my surprise, there were many fans of theirs in the crowd. It spoke volumes to be able to hear the fans singing along to every word of every song.
The set ended with two songs (Miranda and Misbehave) from their newest EP, Walkabout. This is where the band was able to show their wide range of abilities as a punk rock/pop punk band. Miranda exhibited Keep Flying’s harder side, while still keeping in tone with their unique flow. The transition between the two songs was absolutely perfect, demonstrating how each member of the band is in sync with one another.
I went to see Keep Flying with very high expectations and the band exceeded those tremendously. With their emotional and relatable lyrics, infinite stage presence and genuine talent, it is only a matter of time before the band takes off. If you’re a Long Islander/NYC native like I am, make sure to check them out December 22nd at Revolution Bar & Music Hall in Amityville, NY as they open for Patent Pending!