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7/10
Summary
Label: Dying Victims Productions
Release date: January 17, 2025
User Review
( votes)Formed by multiinstrumentalist Justin Kaye in 2014, Time Rift are a ‘70s influenced hard rock band that combine the forceful punch of bands such as Scorpions and AC/DC, with the attitude and sultriness of Grace Potter. The latter being thanks to their female lead vocalist Domino Monet, who joined the group in 2023. Since releasing their debut album, Eternal Rock (2020), the band has spent the last few years perfecting their craft through performing live shows in North America. Despite various lineups since formation, Time Rift remains true to their goal of keeping things old school and simple, proving that sometimes less is more. That could not be more true on their latest album, In Flight (2025).
Blast from the Past
With nine songs total and a runtime of under 31 minutes, In Flight is very concise and straightforward. “I Am (The Spear)” begins with a pulsing bass line and shortly afterwards, Monet comes in with her enchanting vocals. A fine rocker to start the album indeed and further highlighted by the raw ‘70s production of the good old days. Monet solidifies her spot as a powerful frontwoman with “Coyote Queen,” a track that follows the typical AC/DC formula with their own added twist. “The Hunter” is filled with blistering guitar work, allowing Kaye to channel his inner Mick Mars, as crazy as that sounds. But seriously, the guitar tone resembles Mötley Crüe’s “Shout at the Devil.”
The title track shows off a more melodic side to the band, yet it still kicks butt. The vocals are excellent, the drumming is good, and there’s a catchiness to it. “Dancing in the Sun” stays true to the song title by incorporating a galloping groove that’s fun to dance along to in a club. “Hellbound,” the closing track, changes things up a bit with some funk rock vibes. The juicy bass line is the icing on the cake; it’s a shame there weren’t more tracks like that on the album.
The Album’s Lasting Impact Is Questionable
In Flight sounds exactly like a ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll album. Whether that makes the band sound dated or not will be up to the listener. One major complaint about the album is there’s nothing groundbreaking about it. The songs are good, but it’s hard to say if they have a lasting factor that’ll have people singing them many years later. That seems to be the case for some modern rock bands who enjoy taking listeners “back in time.” They want to sound like their predecessors, but there’s also the risk of sounding boring and unoriginal.
Final Assessment
However, props to Time Rift for staying true to their identity. Everything from the raw production, to the vocals, to the guitar distortion, to the drum fills, sticks to the band’s “old school and simple” formula. It’s also refreshing to hear a female rock vocalist in a mostly male dominated genre; Monet sounds great throughout the entire album. For those curious and want a blast from the past, give Time Rift’s In Flight a chance!
Album Tracklist
- I Am (The Spear)
- Follow Tomorrow
- Coyote Queen
- Into the Stillness
- Thunder Calling
- The Hunter
- In Flight
- Dancing with the Sun
- Hellbound
Band Lineup
Domino Monet – lead vocals
Terrica Catwood – drums
Justin Kaye – guitars and bass guitar
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