High Flight Society:Par Avion EP

After RKT Music shut its doors in 2007, much mystery surrounded the future of High Flight Society. Now, in 2009, that mystery has been solved. Jason Wilkes, John and Michael Packer, Scotty Lockridge, and new member Jerad Griffin have come back to the table with the Par Avion EP. Par Avion translates from French to “by air”, and is typically stamped on packages being sent by airmail, which fits directly in with the bands name. This new album offers not only the tried and true HFS sound, but also a more mature, developed, even evolved sound. If this is the direction that High Flight goes from here, there will be smooth skies ahead.

This 4 track (six tracks if you buy the download card from the band) opens with the track Give It Up, a driving rock track with a touch of electronic flair. The theme of the song speaks to caring for those around us that are hurting and in need of our love. Its actually sung from the standpoint of someone who needs that love, much like the man on the road in the parable of the Good Samaritan. We pass them by everyday, and think that someone else will help them, care for them, etc., but instead, we have to break out from our selfishness and do that which is contrary in today’s world. Inhaling A Bullet is about how the tongue is a dangerous instrument and how it can wound someone deeply. Much like the teaching in James that the tongue is a fire that can burn down a forest, the song encourages you to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger, despite what might be hurled at you. The inspiration for the song actually came from a Civil War painting that guitarist Michael Packer saw that had a quote from one of the generals that said “It was hard to breathe without inhaling a bullet.” Having just gotten out of a relationship where he felt torn down at every turn, and at war at the end, he applied that quote to the song. The song is also much harder than the other offerings on the album as well as the previous album.

Run From Yesterday, has a simple , yet powerful message that should strike to the core of everyone. We’ve all made mistakes and have done things that we regret, but we cannot change them. What we can do is leave them behind us and take hold of the plan that God has for us. Rounding out the EP is Come On Sister, an acoustic ballad written directly to young women and girls who are involved in an unhealthy relationship with a guy. The lyrics are very personal, given the fact that it was taken from words that Jason spoke to a family member when she was involved in a similar relationship. Its encouraging tone isn’t deriding the listener for their choice, rather pleading with her to “come home” and that she has “been running for far too long”.

My biggest complaint about this album is that ITS TOO SHORT! Everytime I listen to it, I keep expect more tracks to come on. But if gets me very excited for what is coming next from HFS. Par Avion is lyrically sound, and musicially fantastic. Be sure to pick it up from your favorite online retailer. I already have.