Wing And The Flight Risks – I’m Only Lonely (When I’m Away From You) (Single Review)

Wing & The Flight Risks make their recorded debut with “I’m Only Lonely (When I’m Away From You),” a guitar-driven blues track recorded at Montana’s Ill Eagle Studio that carries the emotional resonance of an old soul standard while keeping a modern sense of immediacy. From the very first measure, the track plants its feet with a steady, classic drum groove from Cove Jasmin that is both tight and unhurried. This opening beat acts as the runway for a warm, slightly gritty guitar tone that slides into the mix with an easy confidence, instantly setting a bluesy atmosphere that feels as open and vast as the Montana landscapes that inspired it.

The arrangement is built with a clear understanding of space and pacing. The bass work from Lee Whalen is understated but vital, providing a round, supportive low end that fills in the track’s body without crowding the other instruments. The interplay between the rhythm section and the guitar creates a laid-back pocket that invites the listener to sink in and stay there. The guitar solo stands as the emotional centrepiece, bursting with bends, vibrato, and phrasing that speak more like a voice than an instrument. It is played with conviction but never overcomplicates itself, allowing each note to breathe.

Vocally, the song is anchored by a performance that feels genuine and lived-in, carrying the kind of slight imperfections and tonal character that make blues vocals believable. However, the recording and mix choices place the voice too far back, almost as if the microphone was positioned across the room. This softens the intimacy and sometimes makes it difficult for the emotion to fully cut through the mix. It is unclear whether this distance is a stylistic decision or the result of technical limitations, but a more present and detailed vocal capture would strengthen the connection between singer and listener. The backing female vocals are integrated smoothly, but still fall short production-wise, and add an appealing dimension during the choruses, giving the song a conversational quality.

Overall, the production has a raw and unpolished character. This works in favor of the track’s authenticity but comes at the cost of sonic clarity in certain areas. The drums and bass hold their ground well, but the vocals and some guitar details would benefit from a more balanced and deliberate mix. The fade-out ending, where both the guitar and the lead vocal gradually retreat into the distance, is handled tastefully and gives the impression of a song still drifting somewhere out there, long after the track stops.

Lyrically, the song walks the line between simplicity and depth. Phrases like “There’s a world of wonders” bring a moment of lightness and joy, while the recurring line “I’m only lonely when I’m away from you” distils the emotional essence of the song into something relatable, almost conversational. This thematic balance between longing and contentment mirrors the music itself, which manages to feel both weathered and hopeful.

As a debut, “I’m Only Lonely (When I’m Away From You)” reveals a band with clear strengths in musical chemistry, songwriting feel, and emotional delivery. The production could be tightened to better showcase the vocalist’s strengths and bring the track’s details into sharper focus, but even in its current state, the song has an undeniable charm. If the group’s future releases refine the technical side without losing the lived-in warmth that defines this track, Wing & The Flight Risks could carve out a place for themselves among modern blues acts who honour tradition while keeping it alive.

SCORE / Good – “I’m Only Lonely (When I’m Away From You)” is an authentic and heartfelt debut that shines through its soulful guitar work and emotional honesty, even if the production leaves room for growth. Give it a listen!

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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