“Paranoid in Paradise” by Flying Home

Enter: Flying Home, a band you may know but have never heard of before. Dave DiPrimo and his band of alternative folk-rockers have reimagined themselves under the name Flying Home, and they’re about to show us a new side of them through their upcoming EP.

Formerly known as Dave DiPrimo Band, the first EP from the newly rebranded Rochester band Flying Home is set to release in early December, and it’s a complete pivot from their older style. This EP brings the band together to create truly collaborative music and spread the love amongst all the members, which is a theme in their new image.

Track Review

“Reach” opens the EP out with great guitar vibes that are reminiscent of the 1970s psychedelic sound, which I thoroughly enjoyed right off the bat. The vocals sound pleading and full of emotion in the first ‘chorus’, and it makes the listener feel exactly what Dave DiPromo (the lead singer and rhythm guitarist), is feeling throughout the track. I can’t help but point out the guitar solo, as it kept those 70s vibes that are what I like most about this song. Overall, it serves as a good intro to the EP, but I wouldn’t say it’s anything super innovative. Still, it’s definitely a very enjoyable listen, especially for those who love 70s rock.

“Selina” is a classic ‘it girl’ song, with the singer lamenting about a girl with a very specific personality and how much this girl stands out from the crowd. From a musical standpoint, the track brings Latin influence into the guitar licks, and features a driving tempo coupled with a dark and brooding vibe. Even with the Latin sounds, the guitar still keeps some of the 70s influences, which keeps a consistent theme to the band’s sound. Another track that’s fun to listen to even though it isn’t necessarily a new idea.

“Up In Smoke” brings in an acoustic guitar in tandem with the band’s standard electric guitar sound, which gives this track a more folky feel. However, it deviates from the softer, slower vibes that folk is often known for to instead build over the course of the song to a loud, grand ending full of raw emotion. In a way, it mirrors the growing of a fire that creates the smoke that the song talks about. 

“Whiskey Melody” continues the folk vibes from the last track, but also incorporates country influences in the guitar part, fitting with the whiskey references that are usually associated with country music. It’s a classic take on a bar song, and serves as a fun way to end the EP.

Verdict

I see Paranoid in Paradise as a very solid first release for Flying Home as they debut themselves as a new band because it shows that they’ve brought new ideas to the table with their music while also staying true to their alt-rock and folk influences that they became known for. 

I enjoy the mix of influences that are brought into this EP, especially the 70s guitar influences. Some parts of “Reach” made me think of Jimi Hendrix and other psychedelic guitarists of the time, which is always a good vibe in my book.

While Flying Home may not be breaking new ground with the ideas and messages of their songs, the way that they blend multiple musical elements together to create something new and exciting is reason enough to give their new EP a listen. 
If you’re interested in checking out Paranoid in Paradise, the EP drops on December 11th on all major streaming platforms and will also be available for digital download.