First Time Flyers are a four-piece country rock band made up of Jake Morrell, Poppy Fardell, Tim Prottey-Jones and Vicki Manser. We covered them back when they released their debut album “Bound to Break” (linked below) – and we have a vinyl copy of the album here in the magazine office! It was funny because after playing the new single, Spotify immediately sent me a few more tracks by them and I was immediately reminded why I liked them in the first place! “Bound to Break” was a very solid album – and “Primadonna” (that I have included at the end here remains a real favorite.
This review of the new single also includes what we know about the recently announced 2027 tour as well:
Press Release
“Country collective First Time Flyers are back with their second studio album ‘Coming Home’ and biggest headline tour to date, both scheduled for April 2027. With this news comes the release of the heartfelt title track, out now.
Following an extraordinary year that saw their debut album ‘Bound To Break’ reach No. 1 on the Official UK Country Chart and a run of sold-out shows across the UK, this marks the next chapter for a band on a genuine hot streak.
Written after an unforgettable period of touring, title track ‘Coming Home’ is the first release off the album — an upbeat tune reflecting on the emotional journey of leaving home, chasing dreams and discovering that the places and people who shaped you are never far from your heart.
Between the bright lights, backstage moments and thousands of motorway miles, Tim Prottey-Jones, Poppy Fardell, Jake Morrell and Vicki Manser found themselves returning home with more than memories. They came back with new perspectives, fresh inspiration and a shared appreciation for where life had brought them.
The song was born during a writing session where the band found themselves talking about how much their lives had changed.
Jake reflected on never imagining he’d one day return to live in Norfolk, while Poppy spoke about feeling increasingly drawn back to her Devon roots. Those conversations became the foundation of ‘Coming Home’. Built around the lyric: “I had to leave to learn, to roam, but happy’s in these bones,” it celebrates growing up without growing apart. It’s about collecting stories, making mistakes, discovering yourself and eventually finding your way back to the people and places that have always felt like home.
Overflowing with the band’s trademark harmonies, infectious energy and heartfelt songwriting, the single perfectly captures the feeling of driving familiar roads with the windows down, knowing your favourite people are waiting at the end of the journey. It’s a reminder that home isn’t simply a place — it’s a feeling.”
My Review
“Coming Home” was released August 28th 2026.
“Coming Home” is built around an upbeat chorus and the joy that comes when you head back to the place you want to be – back to familiar faces and the place you want to be. It’s a simple, yet entirely effective song, a track designed for bouncing around and enjoying the moment.
I will point out that the band ripped it up on their last tour, receiving all kinds of plaudits, and I can only see this one joining the live set to the roar of the crowd. It has sing-along and wave written all over it – the sort of song that is made for a room full of people joining in.
And having enjoyed Bound to Break, I’m pleased to say that First Time Flyers haven’t lost that ability to produce country rock that is immediately accessible without becoming disposable. “Coming Home” is catchy, warm and full of the kind of energy that makes you want to turn it up another notch.
It may not be football – but it is clearly coming home!
Confirmed UK dates for their 2027 tour below and European dates to follow…
April 7th – Belfast, Deers Head
April 8th – Dublin, Whelans
April 9th – Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach
April 10th – Bristol, Thekla
April 15th – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
April 16th – Liverpool, Philharmonic Music Room
April 17th – Kendal, Brewery Arts
April 18th – Glasgow, Stereo
April 21st – Milton Keynes, Craufurd Arms
April 22nd – Colchester, Arts Centre
April 23rd – Norwich, Norwich Arts Centre
April 24th – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
April 28th – Brighton, Patterns
April 29th – Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
April 30th – Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
May 1st – London, Dingwalls
By Stevie Ritson