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Some groups endure many years without undergoing many changes, while some artists need
often face member changes as well as sound changes. Flight 180 is just one of those artists
that have endured multiple changes. Not only has personnel changed several times, but
the group started out named simply 180 before taking on the Flight to the beginning. Starting off
as a primarily girl-fronted ska band, the group soon morphed into what is now a surfer pop punk
with horns rock band. The band's previous record, Lineup brought some problems up for the
band which didn't help things for them. In response to a swing-influenced song on their debut album
Crackerjack which had become a huge hit, Lineup was a fun swing album the band
wanted to offer fans. Unfortunately, people naturally thought they had become a swing band. Not so.
2001's Girls & Boys is the band's way of setting the record straight.
Blending the sounds of MxPx, No Doubt, and Blink 182 with a relevant encouraging message for today
makes up mostly what is Girls & Boys. Easily comparable to Dakoda Motor Co., a female fronted
pop punk group of the early to mid 90s, Flight 180 shows their growth on this album. Although the production
could be tighter and crisper to help Kim Tennberg's vocals stand out a little more, the album has a decent
garage band feel.
Lyrical themes cover a wide variety of topis such as inner beauty on "Little Girl," forgiveness
on "Sorry," struggling with sin in "In the Midst," and appreciating time with loved ones with "Miserable."
"Walmart" is a uniquely odd number, serving as Tennberg's reminder while on the road of thanking God for
the little things in life. Lyrical content is probably one of the album's highlights. While the album
as a whole may be a little rough around the edges in spots, Girls & Boys tackles familiar topics for teens
these days.
A fine directional step for the group, Girls & Boys is worth a few listens, and solidifies
the group as one to certainly keep an eye on for the future.
- Review date: 11/25/01, written by John DiBiase
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