Neu Flyte: Driving at night

Currently on the DIY Presents Tour 2014, the band have provided the perfect soundtrack for those late night drives in the van.

28th October 2014

Flyte may be currently keeping themselves busy by playing around the country as part of the DIY Presents Tour in Association with PledgeMusic, but that’s not all they’ve been doing: they’ve also (probably, definitely) spent most of the last week driving. And what better thing to do in the van than crank up the volume, stick on a mixtape and have a good ol’ singalong?

Ahead of the DIY London All-Dayer rolling into town this weekend, that’s exactly what they’ve been doing. Not only have they given their stereo a good workout recently, they’ve also put together the perfect playlist for anyone heading to the shows themselves, all under the guise of ‘Driving at night’.

From old classics like Bruce Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac, to that loveable rogues Mac DeMarco and Teleman, the band have covered every musical base with this one. Now all that’s left to do is to grab your car keys and go for an adventure. Or, you know, head down to London a few days early…

Listen to Flyte’s ‘Driving at night’ playlist here.

Tracklisting:

The Flamingos - I Only Have Eyes For You

This track is so raw and so atmospheric it's hard to not be put into a trance when listening to it. Recorded in the late fifties but it's so ahead of its time it sounds like it could have been released yesterday.

Roxy Music - More Than This

This song has had a big influence on us sonically. The verse melody is so simple and so beautiful.

Bruce Springsteen - I’m On Fire

The moodiest track from 'Born In The USA' - a cherished album for us - it's a tune that can only be listened to under cover of darkness.

Mac DeMarco - Chamber Of Reflection

There's a dreamlike melancholy to this track. We love the detuned synths and Plastic Ono Band-esque drums.

Neu! - Hallogallo

This has been the soundtrack to many a late night post-gig van session. Perfect track to get lost in on a long drive home.

Stevie Wonder - Looking For Another Pure Love

'Talking Book' is a favourite album of ours and this track is wonderfully subdued and intimate. Jeff Beck's guitar solo is sublime.

LCD Soundsystem - Home

James Murphy, a drummer in his formative years, provides every possible rhythm to dance to over this robotic electro-disco track. Lots of groovy Latin percussion and modulating synths keep you hooked right to the last moment, ending with a call back to the vocal melody from opening track 'Dance Yourself Clean'. It is the perfect end to a great album.

Joni Mitchell - Coyote

This is the opening track from another favourite album, 'Hejira', which was written almost exclusively on a road trip across America. That's exactly what we want to be doing one day.

Kraftwerk - Computer Love

Despite their robotic tendencies, there is so much humanity in Kraftwerk's music and this track is a particularly strong example. It's a timeless riff, we can almost understand why Coldplay borrowed it.

Cass McCombs - County Lines

We saw Cass McCombs in Union Chapel last year and it was spellbinding. This is probably the tune he's best known for. It's disturbingly well recorded and his vocal is completely timeless. So refreshing.

Teleman - Lady Low

We supported Teleman a while back and we're big fans. This one is beautifully simple and the epic saxophone solo is reminiscent of Vangelis' Blade Runner soundtrack.

Fleetwood Mac - I Don’t Wanna Know

Nicks and Buckingham storm through this pop ditty in immaculate two part harmony. Backed by tight drums and glistening guitars, it really is a great driving track.

Nick Lowe - I Love The Sound Of Breaking Glass

Nick Lowe is a bit of a hero really. The bass line is an absolute smash and it's arguably the best lead piano in pop history.

Creedence Clearwater Revival - Run Through The Jungle

One of the coolest sounding tracks that Creedence ever did. It drops you right into mud and the blood of 70s Vietnam.

Radiohead - Pyramid Song

Greenwood's eerie orchestral arrangements will send you swimming through a vortex as you attempt to put a time signature to this epic track. One of the most sonically pleasing tracks ever made. The depth of arrangement provides something new with each listen.

Flyte are currently out on the DIY Presents Tour in Association with PledgeMusic and play the DIY London All-Dayer on 1st November at The Laundry. Shy Nature - who are also currently on the road - will be joined by Deers, Jaws, Telegram, Menace Beach, Blessa and loads more - tickets are on sale now.

Tags: Flyte, DIY Presents Tour 2014, Listen, Features, Interviews, Neu