The Rite Flyers, from Austin Texas practice several styles all loosely orbiting the same power-pop nucleus: snappy electric rockers, plaintive acoustic odes and fuzz-clouded squalls. Songs that positively vibrate with the sort of chipper melodic energy that suggests they could crank out a hummable tune or three before their second cup of morning coffee.
Currently The Rite Flyers are anticipating the release of a new four song EP, SUFFER FOOLS GLADLY. They are also in the process of recording the full length, follow up to their critically acclaimed début album THE RITE FLYERS (The Paisley Pop Label, 2004).
“16 songs filled with deep, resonant emotion that evokes the spirits of The Windbreakers, Pernice Brothers, The dB`s, Uncle Tupelo, Let’s Active and Guided By Voices. Translation: this is incredible!”
- Chris Grey, THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE
“It’s that point where many different Americana influences merge, with just a pinch of country, and a third element of submerged spirituality that’s hard to define… Although there’s still a tinge of Texas twang in the vocals, songs such as the aggressive “Jill Stood Still” and “Politics of Misery” and “I Want To Tell You How I Feel” show a band more in line with where a garagey Guided By Voices meets the early Who and Beatles.”
–Jack Rabid, THE BIG TAKEOVER
The Rite Flyers consist of Steve Collier, who led perhaps Austin’s most raucous, fiery guitar band of the `80s - Doctor’s Mob; John Clayton, key member and songwriter for Balloonatic, a psychedelic wonder brimming with unforgettable songs; Joey Shuffield, drummer of the Hollywood Records chart toppers, Fastball; And Sixteen Deluxe bassist and chief songwriter of the Beggars Banquet, hard rock band Young Heart Attack, Steven Thomas Hall.
“The Rite Flyers remind you of everything that's important about pop music - immediacy, unfettered melodicism, lyrical acuity, and instrumental flourishes painting each song with a hard-won emotional complexity.”
-Luke Torn, POP CULTURE PRESS
Nice little review/snippet from the Statesman (http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/music/entries/2008/02/11/review_the_reivers_at_the_pari.html#jump) : Opening act the Rite Flyers proved that they are one of the most underappreciated bands in Austin, mining a heavy Beatles influence to produce perfectly golden pop songs overflowing with catchy hooks and sonic craft.
I remember skateboarding on the ramp in your parents driveway. That was a hell of long time ago. You did killer backside airs! I wish I had pictures of that.
