Keep Flying’s Time & Tide Review: Emotional Punk Ska With Purpose

Keep Flying energizes the crowd at Mohawk Place in Buffalo, NY, with a dynamic live performance.

Pop punk has a charm that resonates inside us with its melodic angst, punchy guitars, and enough heartfelt emotion to fill a Warped Tour parking lot. Ska, on the other hand, takes the pop punk elements and throws in horns, a lively bounce, and a little chaos. Then there are bands like Keep Flying who know how to blend elements of both genres and create a unique sound while maintaining the core elements of Pop Punk and Ska.

"Time & Tide" is the latest release from New York punk ska band Keep Flying. This album has a powerful surge of emotion fueled by horns, pop punk riffs, raw vocals, and lyrics that are filled with emotion hitting on hard subjects. This album has a surge of energy that makes me want to experience it live in a small, sweaty venue, screaming the lyrics back.  

The opening track, "Regret," immediately tells the listener that the band is going to take you on an emotional journey that is full of highs and lows. "Lost Springs, WY" has the classic Keep Flying sound that fans know and love, with lyrics that make you want to sing back with emotion, all while having the energy to run in a circle.  

The energy keeps flowing with tracks like "Delusional," with its dynamic instrumentation and

introspective lyrics, and their single "Stormchaser." However, one of the standout tracks on this album is Death Is The End. This 3:02 song is full of raw energy remoistening from bands like Comeback Kid or Evergreen Terrace. Just when you think you know the song, Keep Flying hits you with the horn section that elevates the energy to an entirely new level.   

Mistakes is another standout track on Time & Tide. The relatable lyrics and infectious melody will have you bobbing your head to the beat. I found myself whistling along to the intro without even noticing.  

The album's essence is captured on the title track "Time & Tide." This track begins at a slower pace with beautifully written lyrics, then comes together with powerful instrumentation and an engaging horn section to drive the energy. The reflective lyrics and the chants at the end are the perfect way to end the album.  

"Time & Tide" is Keep Flying's debut LP, highlighting the band's lyrical and instrumental maturity. Keep Flying demonstrates their skill in merging genres like pop punk and hardcore, incorporating their distinctive horn section to create a unique sound. The album reflects their evolution as musicians and storytellers. With its energetic instrumentation, introspective lyrics, and their signature horn-driven sound, it offers listeners a fresh perspective on punk and ska.   

You can listen to "Time & Tide" on any streaming service, purchase merchandise from their website, keepflying.band, and see them live on tour with Save Ferris from April 26th to May 20th. Additionally, you can attend the Time & Tide record release shows, which begin on April 24th and continue until June 12th.

This concludes the Keep Flying "Time and Tide" review. Subscribe to the blog for the newest interviews, album reviews, and live show reviews.