Bonneville returns with “Flying Machine,” the radiant title track from their upcoming sophomore album, and in doing so, the retro-soul duo boldly ventures into new sonic territory. Long known for their throwback blend of Southern R&B and classic soul grooves, this latest single embraces electronic funk and post-disco textures while keeping their emotional core intact.
Co-written by guitarist Jeff Hayashi and vocalist Wes McGee, “Flying Machine” was sparked by a deeply personal moment—Hayashi watching his young son stare at the moon in awe. That childlike wonder becomes the heart of the track: a celebration of imagination, freedom, and rediscovering one’s inner dreamer. With a groove inspired by Jamiroquai, Stevie Wonder, and Cymande, the song is both a nostalgic nod and a leap forward.
The production, helmed by GRAMMY®-winning producer Starita, fuses electronic synths with live instrumentation, offering a lush, danceable soundscape. McGee’s vocals glide from whimsical falsettos to impassioned belts, anchoring the song’s dual themes of childhood magic and adult yearning for purpose. The track’s shimmering layers, playful chord progressions, and sweeping harmonies elevate it into anthem territory.
What makes “Flying Machine” so compelling isn’t just its sonic polish—it’s the feeling. This is more than a funky, feel-good single; it’s an emotional ascent. Bonneville invites you to remember the cardboard-box rocket ships of your youth and ask: what’s stopping you now?
With their second album on the horizon, “Flying Machine” proves Bonneville isn’t content to coast on retro charm. They’re flying higher—imaginatively, musically, and emotionally. And they’re taking us with them.