Every once in a while, an album comes along that doesn’t just play in the background - it changes the atmosphere around you. Beach Fly’s Flying is one of those records. It carries a certain ease, but underneath that laid-back surface is something more intentional. Something thoughtful. It feels like music made with purpose, even when it sounds effortless. The kind of album that meets you where you are, then gently shifts your perspective by the time it’s over.

I had the chance to spend a little time with the band last July when they were out on the road with Ballyhoo!, and that same feeling comes through in who they are as people. Really cool, laid-back guys who genuinely love what they’re doing. There’s no act to it. No forced image. Just a real passion for the music and the experience of sharing it. And you can feel that throughout this album - it’s not just performed, it’s lived.

“Sun Drunk” opens the album with an immediate sense of warmth and ease. The groove feels natural and unforced, pulling you in without ever trying too hard. It’s laid-back on the surface, but there’s a clear intention behind how everything comes together. Lyrically, it leans into that feeling of letting go - being fully present in a moment where nothing else really matters. It’s more about release than escape, and that distinction fits the tone of the album perfectly. More than anything, the track feels genuine. It sounds like a band comfortable in who they are, creating from a real place. As an opener, “Sun Drunk” doesn’t just set the mood - it defines it.

“Thinking of You” shifts the album into something a little more intimate. Where “Sun Drunk” feels open and breezy, this track pulls things inward. The addition of Claire Wright works really well here - her voice adds a softness and contrast that gives the song more emotional depth without losing that laid-back feel. Musically, it stays true to the album’s easygoing style, but there’s a subtle tenderness in the melody that stands out. It’s the kind of track that sits with you rather than passing by. At its core, the song captures that quiet, lingering feeling of having someone on your mind - nothing overly complicated, just honest and real. And that simplicity is what makes it land.

“Why Not” brings a little lift in energy without losing the album’s laid-back core. There’s a lightness to it that feels almost playful, like the band is leaning into spontaneity and just letting things flow. The groove is easy to settle into, with a rhythm that keeps things moving while still staying relaxed. It doesn’t overcomplicate anything - that’s part of its charm. Everything feels natural, like it came together without forcing a moment. This groove leans into a simple but effective mindset - letting go of hesitation and just going for it. There’s an openness in that idea that fits perfectly with the overall feel of the album. Sometimes the best moments come from not overthinking, and “Why Not” captures that feeling well.

“Crazy” leans a little more into the emotional side of the album while still keeping that smooth, laid-back feel intact. There’s a subtle shift here - the energy isn’t as carefree, but it’s not heavy either. It sits right in that middle space where feeling and melody work hand in hand. The track flows easily, but there’s a touch more depth in the way it builds. The groove stays consistent, allowing the vocals and emotion to take the lead without overcomplicating the arrangement. This one taps into that familiar feeling of being caught up in someone or something to the point where it throws you off balance. It’s relatable without trying too hard to be deep - and that honesty is what makes it connect.

“Frogz” serves as a quick, playful reset in the middle of the album. It doesn’t try to be anything more than it needs to be - just a light, almost atmospheric moment that lets you breathe before moving forward. There’s a looseness to it that fits perfectly with the band’s overall vibe. It feels natural, maybe even a little spontaneous, like something that came together in the moment rather than being overthought. As an interlude, it does its job well - keeping the flow intact while adding a bit of personality along the way.

“Feel It So” brings a nice boost of energy to the album, and the collaboration with The Expendables feels like a natural fit. Their presence adds a little extra edge without taking away from the laid-back foundation the album has built. The groove is smooth but more driving, giving the track a sense of movement that stands out at this point in the record. It still feels easy, but there’s a bit more punch behind it. This brings the idea of being locked into a moment - when everything just feels right and you don’t want it to end. The chemistry between both artists makes that feeling come across in a really genuine way.

“Stuck in the Middle” settles things back into a more reflective space. After the lift in energy from the previous track, this one feels a bit more grounded - like taking a moment to pause and look around. The groove stays smooth and steady, letting the mood carry the song rather than pushing it forward. There’s a calmness to it, but also a sense of tension underneath, like trying to find clarity while being pulled in different directions. Lyrically, it taps into that feeling of being caught between choices, emotions, or paths. It’s something everyone can relate to, and the way it’s delivered keeps it honest without overcomplicating it. John’s vocals really stand out here - the emotion he brings adds another layer to the track and helps it connect on a deeper level.

“Real Love” brings a sense of warmth and sincerity back to the forefront. There’s an ease to the track that feels natural, but underneath it is a genuine emotional core that gives it weight. Musically, it stays in that smooth pocket the album does so well, letting the melody and vocals carry the feeling without overdoing anything. Everything feels balanced and intentional. We are centered on something simple but meaningful - what real love actually feels like. Not idealized, not complicated, just honest. It’s that straightforward approach that makes the song connect.

“Tall Grass” continues the album’s smooth, easygoing flow, but what really stands out here is the chemistry between both artists. Surfer Girl fits naturally into the track, and the two styles blend together effortlessly. The groove is relaxed and steady, giving both voices room to breathe. Nothing feels forced - everything just settles into place, which makes the collaboration feel genuine rather than constructed. Lyrically and vocally, they play off each other in a way that adds depth without overcomplicating the moment. It’s one of those tracks where the partnership elevates the song, and you can hear how well they work together from start to finish.

“Get in the Water” brings the album back to that carefree, sun-soaked energy introduced at the beginning. There’s a lightness to it that feels inviting - like an open call to let go and just be part of the moment. The groove is smooth and flowing, matching the theme perfectly. It moves easy, never rushing, letting the vibe carry everything forward in a natural way. It leans into that idea of stepping in - whether it’s the water, the moment, or the experience itself. Stop thinking, just dive in. It’s simple, but it hits, and it fits right into the album’s overall spirit.

“Make It Work” brings another nice lift to the album, with Tropidelic adding a bit of extra flavor to the mix. The collaboration feels natural, with both styles blending together without taking away from the album’s core sound. There’s a slightly more upbeat push to the groove here, giving the track some forward momentum while still keeping that laid-back feel intact. It’s a balance the album continues to handle well. Effort and commitment - figuring things out and pushing through rather than walking away is the vibe. It’s a relatable message, and the way both artists come together helps it land in a real, authentic way.

“Fly High Today (Motto)” feels like a statement track - something simple, direct, and easy to carry with you. There’s an uplifting energy to it that stands out, almost like a reminder to stay present and keep your mindset right. The groove is smooth and steady, letting the message take center stage without overcomplicating the sound. It’s one of those tracks that feels light but still meaningful. At its core, the song is about staying present and keeping your mindset grounded in something positive. It doesn’t try to overcomplicate the message - it just lets it come through in a way that feels real and easy to connect with.

“Chasing a Dream” closes the album in a way that feels both fitting and complete. There’s a sense of reflection to it, like looking back on the journey while still keeping your eyes forward. The groove stays true to the album’s core - smooth, steady, and unforced - but there’s a subtle sense of purpose running through it. It feels a little more intentional, like everything is coming together here at the end. At its heart, the track is about pursuit - holding onto something you believe in and continuing to move toward it. It’s a strong way to close things out, leaving you with that same feeling the album builds throughout: calm, clear, and quietly motivated.

Flying comes together as a cohesive, easygoing listen that never feels forced, yet always feels intentional. From the opening warmth of “Sun Drunk” to the reflective close of “Chasing a Dream,” the album carries a consistent sense of balance - light on the surface, but grounded in something real. It’s the kind of record you can put on and just let play, but the more time you spend with it, the more its sincerity stands out.

More than anything, this album feels like a foundation. You can hear a band that’s finding its voice while staying true to who they are. And having spent a little time around them, it’s clear that same authenticity carries offstage - they love what they’re doing, and they’re putting in the work to grow. If this album is any indication, Beach Fly isn’t just riding a vibe - they’re building something. And it feels like they’ve got a really bright future ahead of them.

One Love - Todd M. Judd