The Attic, Leeds welcomed First Time Flyers for a set that was more theatrics than authentic country.

By Stanley West

Vic Allen, the opening act for First Time Flyers, gives a tender, acoustic set with only her guitar and voice. It’s surprising, then, when she’s followed by the six-piece “country” pop machine that is First Time Flyers.

The main event is cheesy, fun, and obviously acting. Many of their songs are accompanied by carefully followed choreography (as well as a backing track), and the band use every crowd interaction trick in the book. One of their two lead vocalists starts a chant of “when we say, ‘first time,’ you say, ‘flyers’” and asks, “who’s ready to party?” which is apparently most of the denim and flannel clad audience.

The beginning of their set consists of pop anthems, many of which feel like they belong in a stadium or nightclub. These are objectively well performed, and it’s obvious that the band have a background in drama. They’re constantly acting as if they’re having the time of their lives and usually overdoing it a little.

The performance aspect of the band is campy and enjoyable but means the more tender songs later in the set like Dead Weight and Almost are less convincing. It’s difficult to believe these songs are ‘real’ when the rest were obviously fake. This is a shame, as the later songs are (according to the singers) real stories.

The set ends with their most popular songs, and a return to the performance feel of the start.

When watching First Time Flyers, you question why they’re posing as a country band instead of acting in musical theatre, where the cheesiness and heavily rehearsed dance moves would be much more welcome. In fact, their music can hardly be classed as country at all. The songs are almost all about love (filled with lyrical clichés) and often use the same hooky, generic structure, and instrumentation, placing them firmly into the genre of pop. One wonders if the reason they’re called “country” is because their manager thought it would be easier to get played on country radio.

In short, if you want a wedding band, First Time Flyers are perfect. If you want a fun night out of dancing and laughing at genuinely funny audience interaction, they’re good for that too. If you want interesting music that feels honest, you should leave after the opening act.

Vic Allen and First Time Flyers played at The Attic, Leeds on Wednesday 8 October 2025.