Bonneville’s latest single, “Flying Machine,” the title track from their upcoming sophomore album, is a genre-blending triumph that lifts retro-soul into the stratosphere. Out May 21, the track sees the Southern-rooted duo of Jeff Hayashi and Wes McGee lean into a funkier, more electronic direction without losing the heartfelt musicianship and rich storytelling that defines their sound.
Inspired by a tender moment with Hayashi’s young son and the boundless imagination of childhood, “Flying Machine” is both whimsical and reflective. Its dreamy textures and funk-fueled groove pay homage to Jamiroquai, Cymande, and Stevie Wonder, while signalling a sonic evolution that fuses live instrumentation with sleek MIDI layers and a pulsing pop-forward structure.
Wes McGee’s vocal performance is a standout, moving from delicate falsetto to soulful power, embodying the song’s core message: the rediscovery of self-belief and wonder through the lens of adult weariness. As he sings of daydreams and liberation, the track becomes more than just a nostalgic ride—it’s an anthem for anyone trying to reconnect with their younger, fearless self.
Producer Starita’s touch adds a modern sheen, blending analogue soul with electronic edge. Recorded at the iconic Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, “Flying Machine” glows with authenticity, ambition, and groove.
Ultimately, “Flying Machine” isn’t just a song—it’s an invitation. To remember. To imagine. To rise. And with this track, Bonneville proves they’re not just preserving soul music’s legacy—they’re propelling it into new dimensions.
