There’s something magic about a band that can make you feel grounded and lost in the stars at the same time. Meet The Flip Phones, an indie acoustic-driven rock outfit who blend the intimacy of bedroom confessionals with the adventurous spirit of stargazers. Led by Lindsey Wray and the visionary Ryan Kobb, The Flip Phones build their sonic world on the edge of the familiar and the unknown — fusing classical influences with jagged indie edges and a fearless drive for innovation. With the supporting strength of Phoenix Henkle on bass, drummers Dylan Storie and JR Franks, and lead guitarist Wilfredo Morales, their sound is richly layered and alive, never content to sit still. Their recent single, “Polaris,” which came out on March 14, is a shimmering beacon in their creative constellation, a high-energy track that is equal parts anthem, navigation chart, and heartfelt prayer to the night sky.
As soon as you hit the play button, “Polaris” seizes attention. It opens with a striking interplay of glistening 12-string electric guitar and a rhythmic acoustic drive that piques your interest right away. There’s an hypnotic pulse in the introduction, a subtle spin that mimics waves lapping against the hull of a vessel lost at sea. The production, directed with polish and sensitivity by Dave Mallen, ensures that every instrument breathes — from the subtle twinkle of the synthesizer and melodica, to the driving foundation laid by tight, expressive percussion.
Thematically, “Polaris” is an ode to the North Star, long a symbol of hope, orientation, and unwavering presence. But here, that guiding light takes on emotional resonance. It’s not just a direction, it’s a person, a purpose, a truth. The lyrics set this tone immediately: “I sail outside at night lost out on the ocean. No compass or map with me guided by devotion.” These lines feel like a journal entry at sea, vulnerable and poetic. They draw you into the mind of someone adrift, spiritually and physically, and aching for something to believe in. It’s this sense of yearning that fuels the track — and it doesn’t let up.
Vocally, Lindsey does magic. With an ethereal and grounded voice, she performs with emotional clarity and a kind of knowing innocence. There’s a subtle theatricality in her phrasing — especially in the repeated invocation of the “little dipper, little bear in the sky” that turns the chorus into a mantra. It’s not just catchy; it’s cosmic incantation, calling down stars for strength. Ryan’s vocal contributions add grit and harmony, his guitar work echoing with a sense of direction reclaimed after chaos.
Instrumentally, the track flourishes in its variety without ever losing cohesion. The melodica and Farfisa organ give it a nostalgic glow, while Ryan’s 12-string guitar work adds brilliant texture, evoking bands like R.E.M. and Supergrass, but with a uniquely reflective voice. The basslines from Phoenix Henkle move with purpose, anchoring the track through its shifts, while Mallen’s percussion brings a touch of both classic rock dynamism and modern indie precision.
As the song unfolds, we ride the highs and lows of the narrator’s emotional journey — doubt, fear, revelation. “Where is my Polaris? Where is the star that guides me at night?”— this plea hits with force, a moment of lostness that hits deeply in our ever-shifting world. But the payoff is powerful: “Then I see the clouds break and it lights up in the deep blue. Can’t believe I ever doubted that you would always come through.” It’s a moment of triumph, the rediscovery of faith; in oneself, in another, and in something greater.
In short, “Polaris” is a rousing, emotionally resonant, and beautifully crafted track that showcases the incredible range and vision of The Flip Phones. It’s for the wanderers, the romantics, the believers in signs, and anyone who’s ever looked up at the night sky searching for something they can’t quite name. If you haven’t yet had The Flip Phones on your radar, now is the time to tune in. Because with “Polaris,” they’re not just releasing a song; they’re lighting a path.
Listen to “Polaris” on Spotify
Follow The Flip Phones here for more information
