Fly Upright Kite
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Fly Upright Kite

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Band Alternative Rock

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The best kept secret in music

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"The Absolute 100"

If you were at all a fan of Copeland's Beneath Medicine Tree, then you need to check out Fly Upright Kite. Simple as that. Airy, ethereal vocals pillowed over well-placed guitar lines and a somber violin creates a beautiful set of songscapes meant for rainy days and chilly nights. Boston is churning out a lot more than Sam Adams it seems. - AbsolutePunk.net


"Radio Review"

"Fly Upright Kite has a gem of a release with 'Every Breathing Moment.' the best thing I can tell you is check them out and listen for yourself, like I did." - Shred, WBCN music director - WBCN


"Berklee Review"

"Kite's music is the perfect blend of sentimental pop and hard-grooving rock." - Will Rzad, The Groove - The Groove


"'Dynamic pop rock'"

For Fly Upright Kite, sharing the stage with two or more bands isn't just about filling a night, it's about finding a niche.

"A lot of bands that we play with, not that it's a bad thing 'cause there are some pretty good bands that are very loud and in your face all the time, but there aren't a lot of rock bands that are comfortable with playing slow and softer songs," said Liam McCormack with Fly Upright Kite, a Boston-based band.

"We rock but we bring it down too. We play the slower songs too with slower tempos. That contrast in a live show really grabs people's attention. When you don't have a million things going on, that's when people really get the chance to listen and focus on the lyrics and the melody. It really allows us to connect with the audience, and vice versa," he said.

During the two years since their formation, Fly Upright Kite has primarily been playing in the Boston scene, but they are finding more shows outside the 617 area code. McCormack said they find, with their ambient type of pop-rock/ indie rock, there seems to be a stronger calling in southern New Hampshire.

Fly Upright Kite features five members — Holland Dieringer on violin, Jarred Grant on drums, Brian Guilmette on guitar, Asad Rahman on vocals and guitar, and McCormack on bass and vocals.

A five-track EP, Every Breathing Moment, was released in April. Finding a genre to fit into doesn't come easy for this group, so they've leaned toward creating their own. From melodic and dynamic pop-rock to indie power pop, Fly Upright Kite comes across as a conglomerate of many genres, with driving and catchy choruses and groovy, melodic instrumentals.

"The other day I used the term 'dynamic pop rock.' Dynamic is a good word for us. We actually created a new genre for ourselves called dreamo. The word dream combined with emo, cause we've got the ambient thing happening with the slower songs, kind of a dreamy feel if you will," McCormack said.

Fly Upright Kite brings with them to New Hampshire Lannen Fall, another pop rock band with catchy tunes that they've played with on several other occasions. - the Hippo


"Review: Fly Upright Kite - Every Breathing Moment EP"

Fly Upright Kite - Every Breathing Moment EP
Release Date: 4/26/06
Record Label: Unsigned

For years now, as Copeland has diverged from the organic beauty of Beneath Medicine Tree, many have been anxiously waiting for a band to come along and recreate the natural appeal of that special record. As the years have peeled away, acts have stepped up to the plate and taken their swings for the fences in their attempts to be the heir to this now-vacant throne, but in truth, all have fallen either short or wide of the mark. Copeland themselves have adopted a more lush, grandiose sound, while imitators Daphne Loves Derby stagnate far too flat, while Rookie of the Year rolls a little too slick to be truly believable. With all of these bands flailing so fruitlessly to nab this empty foothold, how strange is it that a little known band by the name of Fly Upright Kite should waltz out of Boston to ease right into the gap no one else can fill?

When you get right down to it, to say that Fly Upright Kite has a Copeland fascination would be a drastic understatement. Musically, vocally, lyrically, and atmospherically, the band walks almost right in the footprints of its predecessor. Now, the way your own personal tastes stack up will dictate whether this is ultimately a positive or negative quality, but as a longtime Copeland fan, I could not be happier that another band has decided to move in to carry the torch.

While a passing glance and a closed mind might make it tempting to toss tracks like "Burn Out" into the poseur bin, a patient dissection of the tune reveals details that make Fly Upright Kite far more alluring point of focus. Once you get past the hollow guitar intro, vocalist Asad Rahman quickly serves up his clear, high-pitched delivery that carries a strong melody atop humble guitar and percussion components. A welcome little easter egg, though, is Holland Dieringer's violin, which slowly and patiently weaves its way throughout the musical backdrop. While a violin in similar bands would scream "gimmick!" (*cough* Yellowcard *cough*) nothing about Dieringer's string work is attention-starved or unnecessary. While the touches are alarmingly subtle, after a while, it becomes hard to imagine the tunes without these emotive accents.

Beyond the opening track, the Copeland karaoke subsides a bit, as "Say You Love Me" features six-string work that is both frantic and muted, while "Never Let Go" brings a surprisingly focused rock assault that somehow manages to plow forward behind Jarred Grant's driving drum pacing, all while never compromising an ounce of luster or ethereal splendor. The end result is one that makes "Walking Downtown" wilt in comparison to this sensitive anthem. For as uptempo as these tracks are, the band conversely takes its cuts at Beneath Medicine Tree's more pensive numbers. "Cracks" and "Untitled #7" stroll with a molasses clip, but are still undeniably striking in their honesty and overarching loveliness. Sure, these types of songs might frustrate the more restless listeners out there, but regardless, it is just as easy to hold up your lighter and shed a tear to these achingly intimate works.

Still, for as much as there is to like - hell, adore - about Fly Upright Kite, the band is not entirely without flaw. While the Copeland posturing might scratch many emo kids right where they itch, it would be inviting to see the band step out of their forebear's shadow. This applies both musically and lyrically. With Rahman's ultra-convincing delivery, there is no reason to question his conviction, but nevertheless, there is still a lot of repeated talk about hearts, love, heartache, heartbreak, sparks, and other emo staples that could use a bit of a shakeup. And finally, while the music on Every Breathing Moment is kept intentionally stark, it would elevate the band's sound to give backing vocals an increased prominence in future recordings. After all, us emo kids are suckers for a good hook.

When it all comes down, I really cannot endorse Fly Upright Kite enough. Coming from a forum recommendation here, the band has easily issued one of my top 5 EPs of 2006. Take note folks - I would be surprised if these guys did not take off soon. - absolutepunk.net


Discography

Fly Upright Kite - "Every Breathing Moment"*

Now Recording New Album!

*awarded #3 ep of 2006 from absolutepunk.net

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

In the studio recording now!

Upon hearing Fly Upright Kite it will become immediately obvious how this Boston-based band has gained a large and loyal following. Fly Upright Kite is a young, energetic pop/rock group that blends heartfelt compositions with well-crafted pop melodies. Their powerful choruses and inventive hooks are sure to linger in your head for days.

After evolving into their current driving and electric sound, Fly Upright Kite began relentlessly performing at many popular venues around the New England area. Their often delicate and personal lyrics have proven to cut through the noise of any crowded rock club and make a connection with audiences of all ages.

In late April of 2006 the band released "Every Breathing Moment", their highly anticipated, debut EP. Engineered and mixed by Kenny Lewis (Stryper, Journey), this promising collection of 5 songs has won over fans across the nation and acts as an excellent first look into the emotion and creativity that defines all of Fly Upright Kite's work.

Having shared the stage with national touring bands Moneen (vagrant), Rookie of the Year (one eleven), Dameria (equal vision), Denison Witmer, Umbrellas and Brandston of The Militia Group Fly Upright Kite is reaching out to new fans everyday. In addition, Every Breathing Moment's radio single, "Burn Out", is a favorite among local DJs and has received frequent airplay on popular, regional radio stations WBCN and WFNX.

Armed with a well-received new EP, a dynamic, expressive live show, and the unusual use of violin in a rock group, Fly Upright Kite produces the fresh, compelling sound that makes them one of the most captivating bands on the competitive New England music scene.

Contact: kitebooking@gmail.com