Flying Machines show they can certainly rock on their self-titled debut album. It’s a classic kind of rock (the influence of legendary artists is obvious) but these guys aren’t throwbacks or copycats. As others have already observed, Queen is the most noticeable inspiration for these New York songsters, but Flying Machines aren’t clones. The similarities seem to come from a heartfelt camaraderie with Doctor Brian May’s venerable band. They’re sort of picking up where their idols left off, blazing their own path from there.
 
Producers Spencer Proffer and Steve Plunkett, both mainstream music industry veterans, help the quartet churn through some intelligent arrangements. The patchworks of clever orchestration and dramatic Brahmsish themes remind one of a certain legendary rock band, but Flying Machines have plenty of their own bright ideas. Amidst the frenetic rocking you’ll find tasteful piano solos, harmonious bleeps (on “Video Games”) and artful song structures. John Wlaysewski’s excellent six-string work is the centerpiece of the band’s sound. In a timeless crunch he launches a plethora of catchy riffs and perfectly constructed melodies, proving awesome guitar-driven rock is still possible. That’s not to put down the rest of the band. Evan Joyce does a fine job on bass and Ken Weisbach is a notably tasteful and creative drummer. Vocalist/frontman/keyboardist William Ryan George has a lively, precise singing style. His voice goes from subdued to blaring in a blink and he makes the intricate melodies seem easy. He shows how evocative his voice can be on the ballad “I Don’t Remember Why.” Even with occasional Queen-style ultra-clean falsetto harmonies behind him, George’s singing is pretty damn good.

There are a few mediocre spots on the album. Some of the arena rock lyrics leave something to be desired (“I won’t give in to you, ‘cuz you only want to keep me down”). The song “Gina Don’t Call me” is ignorable, but still rocks and has some remarkable guitar playing. Regardless, Flying Machines seem to be on the cusp of well-deserved stardom. Their music has been featured on Yahoo Music and the USA Network show PSYCH (part of a cooperative marketing venture). It is easy to imagine throngs of young, adoring fans singing along and buying Flying Machines merchandise. That may not be your thing, but if you are looking for some excellent straight-ahead rock with a lot of energy and an intelligent streak, check out Flying Machines.