By Marina Foo
Aviophobia, fear of flying, is a common psychological problem that afflicts many people. Approximately 10 to 40 per cent of travelers have some sort of related phobia. In Flight Safety’s front man, John Mullane, shares this fear.
“Every time we take off John turns green,” explains the band’s drummer Glen Nicholson. “Every time we land he’s blue in the face.”
Unfortunately for Mullane, flying seems to be the new mode of transportation for his band. Nicholson reports on the hectic flight plan that the band has had of late.
“Recently, we’ve been flying mad crazy,” Nicholson says. “We just got back from Ireland and we flew to Montreal back from there. We’re flying out to Kelowna to meet [our manager] on Monday.”
Flying isn’t the only thing In Flight Safety have been doing to keep busy. The Halifax-based group has embarked on their third tour with another band from the Toronto-based indie label, Arts and Crafts. First it was the Stars, then it was Most Serene Republic and currently they are touring with Young Galaxy.
“We befriended [the Stars] early on,” says Nicholson. “We were fans of them five or six years ago. They are really good people, the Arts and Craft crew, and they are all about having a good time. The music that they make attracts the same clientele, not a dance crowd but one that likes live music, emotional pop music.”
In Flight Safety may have the same clientele as other Arts and Craft bands, but they also offer something different to the thriving Canadian music scene. Influenced by Swedish pop bands the Cardigans and the Kents, In Flight Safety render a polished, ambient pop feel to the scene. They also bring a nautical sense to their first two albums with their use of boats and trains.
“Our first album, Vacation Land, was sort of a concept album and was music in transit and for the masses,” explains Nicholson. “Trains and planes and what not. We kept with the nautical, escapism theme and had war-time type lyrics with our second album, The Coast is Clear. Although we had those lyrics, we didn’t want a big tank or a battle ship on the cover but, instead, a boat.”
Perhaps In Flight Safety will start using some of these other modes of transportation to help combat Mullane’s fear of high altitudes. The thought of a band touring landlocked countries in a battleship is a little absurd, though.
In Flight Safety lands at the Liberty Lounge Thu., Jun. 14 at 8 p.m. alongside Young Galaxy. Tickets are $15 at Ticketmaster.