Kids That Fly Release 'Tracks of the High Line', Arrives With VHS Music Video for Focus Track
ALTERNATIVE POP/ROCK BAND
KIDS THAT FLY
RELEASE FIVE-TRACK EP
TRACKS OF THE HIGH LINE
“TALK OF THE TOWN”
— FOCUS TRACK —
ARRIVES WITH VHS FOOTAGE MUSIC VIDEO
Above: Kids That Fly; credit: Austin Frandino
L to R: Blake Henry, Ryan Hendry, Nick Smeriglio, Braden Frandino
NASHVILLE, TN (December 9, 2022) — New York City-based four-piece alternative pop/rock band — Kids That Fly — release their five-song EP, Tracks of the High Line, today. With hopes of recreating the viral magic of their 2019 single “Kiss Her You Fool” (15 million+ Spotify streams), the group reunited with producer Will Baker for this third project; a nostalgic, genre-blending EP.
Stream / Download Tracks of the High Line here.
Also arriving today is a behind the scenes music video, filmed with VHS footage for the EP’s infectious focus track, “Talk of the Town.” The video is a fitting accompaniment to “Talk of the Town,” as the track blends modern alternative sounds with vibes from the retro 80s, new wave, pop, and rock, giving it old-school elements. In fact, “Talk of the Town” showcases the energy of Tracks of the High Line in its entirety, which can be described as a combination of sounds from the early 2000s alt-rock era, 80s synth pop, British alternative, and modern pop/rock.
In October, Kids that Fly released the EP’s lead single, “High Line,” along with a visually vibrant music video, captured through a dynamic eye-catching filter, reminiscent of a 90s film. “The synth-y beat and fast drums brought me back…it’s pop with enticing guitar chords and a synth that fits right in…conjures 80’s nostalgia. ‘High Line’ evokes a more technical The 1975, a less sad Backseat Lovers,” remarked NYS Music journalist, Sydney Pollack.
Composed of college comrades — Nick Smeriglio (vocals/guitar), Blake Henry (guitar/synth), Braden Frandino (bass/vocals) and Ryan Hendry (drums/vocals) — Kids That Fly formed in the fall of 2018, while attending the University of Connecticut. It wasn’t long before they fell into a steady rhythm of playing shows in and around Connecticut, while simultaneously commuting in and out of New York City to record and perform in both Manhattan and Brooklyn. Having all grown up in Connecticut, the crew has had a lot of influence from other Connecticut musicians such as Rivers Cuomo of Weezer and indie alt/rock duo MGMT. Each member has played music in the indie/alt rock spheres, even dabbled in jazz, but their broad collective musical taste includes The Black Keys, The 1975, The Killers, and Catfish and the Bottlemen — keeping them tied to a more alternative rock sound.
Tracks of the High Line is the “next logical step in the band’s evolution,” shares Nick. Composed of songs written throughout the heart and tail end of the pandemic, various themes encompass the project, but most notably, it’s about navigating life and relationships in your 20s, an already pivotal part of one’s life — all amidst the trying times of a global pandemic. “It’s a reflection of lots of different romantic experiences that the four of us have had,” Nick confides. “On a deeper level though, it deals with the different struggles that came from the pandemic, how the isolation took a toll on people, and the recovery of it all.”
“Throughout the process we’ve been experimenting with different synthesizers and other interesting digital production techniques that give each song a bit of a retro futuristic style,” Braden reflects about the EP’s sounds.
As they’ve matured, ultimately so has their songwriting and sonic textures. “Our own experiences are indicative of what we write about and have shaped how the music and lyrics have grown over time,” they disclose. “Having the chance to record in a number of studios with a few different producers has been a really great experience for us.”
From the beginning, the band has always put a focus on their fans, prioritizing the importance of live music. The four-piece act never fails to draw in a crowd whether playing a hometown show, or a distinguished Manhattan venue. With their catchy alt-pop/rock melodies and electrifying up close and personal performances, Kids That Fly continue to prove their vast potential and are truly an act to follow.
Above: ‘Tracks of the High Line’ EP artwork