Bonneville’s latest album, "Flying Machine," is a time capsule that sounds both long-forgotten and ahead of the curve. At 38 minutes of wealth, genre-busting songs, the band serves up a masterclass in blending old-school soul with crisp modern textures, making the argument that groove is timeless.
From the first notes of the title track “Flying Machine,” one is transported into a vibrant universe where 70s funk mingles with crisp modern production. With its warm basslines and stacked instrumentation, the song evokes the feel of Curtis Mayfield, and its soaring melodies and tight rhythms hint at the vibe of Jamiroquai. It’s a statement of purpose indicative of an album that thrives off the push and pull between tradition and innovation.
Bonneville’s "Flying Machine" is about reinventing it. Tracks like “Undercover Woman” illustrate this well, with its slinky grooves and a Southern rock undertone that recalls Lynyrd Skynyrd or the Allman Brothers. Cohesive but unpredictable, the album glides between soulful ballads and funk-steeped jams to paint a sweeping narrative.
The difference here is precision. Collaborations with the Muscle Shoals FAME Gang bring an authentic Southern soul energy, and harmonica legend Mickey Raphael (most famous for his work with Willie Nelson) contributes raw, heartfelt flourishes to a few songs. Bonnie Raitt's guitarist, Will McFarlane, contributes his unmistakable tone to bring just enough bluesy grit to their sound.
The production is just as nice, a perfect blend of live elements and shine. Every song comes alive, propelled by a warm, old-school energy but gently underpinned by a contemporary depth of sound. There’s nothing even vaguely fresh about "Flying Machine," of course, as it mixes in acid jazz and post-disco rhythmic asides (Floating Points has nothing to fear, mind) to make that very much a modish listening experience; however, the songwriting and grooves are placed at the service of Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s father and his band, giving a unique flavour that stands slightly apart from recent modern soul, which is equally heartfelt.
Bonneville has created an album for multiple spins. Whether you’re cruising along to the rhythmic pulse of “Flying Machine” or vibing out to the smoky allure of “Undercover Woman,” there’s a depth to this record that keeps pulling you back in.
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