Rerunning by Fly By Midnight - Album Review

   ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5

   Upon experiencing the first notes of debut single "Brooklyn" three years ago, there was something special buried underneath Fly by Midnight's approach to retro-pop tunes. The New York-based duo, comprised of Justin Bryte and Justin "Slavo" Slaven, quickly began to follow-up their instant classic with knockouts such as "Karaoke" and "Vinyl", each release sounding completely different than the previous.

   It was the duo's refusal to pigeon-hole themselves into one genre box that created deserved buzz for their official debut album, whenever that was to be announced. A couple of extended plays later, Fly By Midnight proudly presents Rerunning, a collection of honest, pop-driven efforts that properly convey experiences each have had since starting out on their music journey.

   "We didn't know we were even creating an album until it was finished," Slavo says to Album Confessions. "I think that's what makes each track feel different from one another. It's crazy to think how it all came together."

   Preceded by a slew of single releases this year -- "All The Feels", "Just Say It", and their latest "You Belong" -- the new album is approached with no sense of rules or boundaries. Instead, thanks to Bryte's sensual vocals and Slavo's love for electro-infused production, each track forms its own unique connection with listeners, shedding light on the typical rollercoaster ride that comes with either establishing a new relationship, or watching one come to a close.

   Album opener “Ain’t Got Much to Go” is an effective introduction, not only to the new project, but to Fly By Midnight’s impressive discography as a whole. Often inspired by 80s romance films, the track finds the duo still fixated on what appears to have been a simple summer fling. Luscious synths and comforting vocals highlight the beginning adoration for another, yet eventually supports feelings of frustration and slight animosity. The natural progression of emotions are properly conveyed.

   Current single “You Belong” is a masterful mix of mainstream production appeal and authentic sentiment as the duo find a simple message to help navigate them through the laws of attraction. Fearful that their chance has come and gone, though optimistic about the potential future together, they make the case for a connection to form. “I go out, like I’m out on a limb, cross my heart girl, hoping you don't break it, rolling that dice, closing my eyes, like the first night you and I were naked,” they sing on the second verse.

   "It's a reflective body of work that really speaks to the types of romantic encounters we've been through these past two years or so. The highs and lows," Bryte says.

   Building trust with a significant other is no easy task, especially when said other has been damaged by previous romantic partners. “ILYA” finds the duo working tirelessly toward a breakthrough with a skeptical lover, hoping they are given a chance to be the best thing in their life. While songwriting is not as sharp, and production does sound slightly choppy, the song succeeds thanks to sincere motive, an endearing vocal delivery, and a premise that will resonate with lovesick listeners.

   Released at the beginning of the year, “Just Say It” is still one of the most intimate, melancholy pieces Fly By Midnight have created. A three-year relationship on its final legs, make-up sex no longer working as a temporary fix, charges of infidelity, have forced the boys to resort to anger as a way of coping and moving forward. Even through the screaming and fighting, there is still a sense of despair and defeat buried within the expressive vocal performances.

   “Loving You’s a Little Bit Hard Sometimes” unexpectedly veers the album off track, incorporating more indie rock elements than its predecessors do. Swept up in a dilemma of loving someone who might not be the best for their development, the track highlights the questionable decisions one makes in their love drunk youth. “Look, don't get me wrong, but you don’t get me at all, talking to you is like talk, talk, talking to a wall, but you look so hot when you don't listen,” they sing on the opening.

   “Being out first official album, we wanted to experiment with eclectic sounds more than we ever have before,” Bryte says of how the duo decided on the finalized tracklist. “We ended up going with the tracks that best showed our love for genre-fusions.”

   Immense passion surrounds the short but sweet “Heart”, another genre exploration that works wonders for Fly By Midnight. Doubling as a provocative bedroom jam and an admission of devotion, Slavo’s beats are effectively sharper and more intense, representing the flurry of emotions, thoughts and sensation that flow through one’s body when intimately entangled. The end product is dark, sensual, seemingly inspired by the 90s, and a highlight for the album.

   The duo joins forces with Phoenix-based singer-songwriter Carly Page for “I Feel It”, an electro/pop track that bypasses the doubt and risk, wondering what might be wrong or right, to instead focus on temptation and impulse for a blossoming intimate relationship. “I'm coming off cursive, making it harder to read, if you only know how my heartbeat moves, when you lay with me,” Bryte confesses, guided by instinct and content with allowing the pieces fall where they may.

   “Swimming with Sharks”, a collaboration with New York-based producer Dave Edwards, finds Fly By Midnight in uncharted dance territory, especially as Slavo does not control the production reins. Percussion builds up to an infectious chorus, through the songwriting details anything but a joyous occasion. The boys appear lost in their own thoughts of self-doubt, criticizing themselves, and hoping a significant other will be the saving grace they desperately seek and need.

   The album closes out with “All The Feels”, a melting pot of genre inspiration, underlying emotions and vocal delivery styling. Originally released this past summer, the song’s breezy, laidback vibe encompasses the listeners with a sense of warmth to help power through winter. On the surface, songwriting seems to highlight a loving relationship, though the duo have said the song is about anything that makes one smile. Great closing message.

   “The feelings we emote in the album are relatable. We hope people find their own experiences in our stories,” Slavo says.

   Rerunning is the culmination of Fly By Midnight’s hard work over the last few years, an ear for infectious hooks, and personal songwriting that resonates with the everyday individual. The stories told are able to flourish due to Bryte and Slavo’s willingness to share, from the heartbreak and low points, to what inspires them to take the next step forward. Every song featured on the new release stands on its own, in part to the duo’s challenge to themselves to take risks and not be confined to just one box. The ability to maneuver through pop, retro, dance and rock – along with chameleon-like vocal performances – gives each track a radio-ready appeal. While it would have been nice to hear how previous standout releases such as “Malibu” and “Vinyl” would have sounded alongside this collection, the duo’s official debut album sets them up for even bigger, and better, things to come.

Tracks to Hear: "You Belong", "Just Say It", "Loving You's a Little Bit Hard Sometimes" and "Heart"