Establishing the mood with an immersive soundscape and haunting keys with a cerebral fuzz frequency, STREAMER open Time Flies By with dramatic flair and a raspy vocal similar to Leonard Cohen, as they take us on a gripping, narrative-driven journey laced with inspiration.
The opus expands with a subversive bassline and astral strings, evolving into a fierce and high octane techno-adjacent beat tapping into a genre expansive sound that we are obsessed with. The overarching energy of the composition is boundless and dimensional, but it is the core of the message that truly cuts through.
The lyrics of Time Flies By convey the struggle and realization of two individuals who feel trapped in their monotonous and unfulfilling routines. The first verse describes a man at a train station in the rain, symbolizing a dark and dreary point in his life. He reflects on the years spent working towards a mundane desk job, which now feels like a burden on his chest. He recognizes the need to create space for himself to breathe, rise, and dare to feel alive again, as he feels he has lost his soul to the distractions and passivity symbolized by the “Netflix train.” This marks a pivotal moment where he decides it’s time to reignite his passion and light the flame within.
The second verse mirrors the man’s experience but focuses on a woman who is also feeling the weight of her responsibilities and the passage of time. She is late for an important call, emphasizing her constant struggle to meet demands and expectations. She reflects on the years spent reaching her current position and the irreversible effects these years have had on her, including physical signs of aging. Her efforts to shine and succeed seem futile, akin to chasing waves that have already passed. Like the man, she has lost her vitality and sense of purpose in the routine and escapism of watching Netflix. The call to reignite her inner fire and find meaning becomes clear.
The chorus emphasizes the central message of the song: the importance of living a life true to one’s needs and desires. It highlights the necessity of actively engaging with life to experience joy and love fully. The repeated line “time flies by at the weekends” suggests that time feels fleeting when one is happy and fulfilled, contrasting with the sluggish passage of time in monotonous routines. The urgency to seize the present moment and make the most of it is underscored by the realization that time is most tangible and precious when one feels truly alive and high on life.
We learn that the dynamic three-piece band hails from Scotland and Kent, seeking to define a unique genre called ‘indie trance,’ blending layered vocals, gripping guitar hooks, and trance electronica. Their live performances are known for their heart-pumping energy and broad appeal across generations. With members in their 50s and a wealth of experience, their music is a testament to their refined skills and ability to captivate large audiences.
Time Flies By is a dramatic anthem about the importance of doing what you love and making the most of time, and was inspired by band member Tom’s shift from corporate life to music. Speaking on the release, STREAMER share their wisdom by saying, “Time Flies By is about self-awakening and courage. Do the things you love, ‘Time flies by when you feel this high!’”
Fans of Pink Floyd will be able to connect with the composition, although there is no doubt that STREAMER are manifesting a universe of their own with powerful drops and riffs, rich vocal textures and intricate musical layers, including classical influences and modern electronica.
The band is comprised of Tom on vocals, guitars, keys, Jez on bass, backing vocals, keys, and Tom’s son Freddie slaying on drums and percussion. We love STREAMER‘s sound, and have added Time Flies By to our New Music Spotlight playlist, as well as our new TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to explore the band’s wider discography, including Possessify, and their album, Dare To!