Every once in a while a totally random album strikes a nerve.
With me it's usually something that is slightly abnormal yet possesses bits and
pieces of several styles that I enjoy to a satisfying level. SkyAcre became that
band early last month after I discovered them on Bandcamp.
Sacred Ground hits that sweet spot by combining grungy desert groove, indie rock
flair and punky psychedelic rhythm. They didn't send a promo. They weren't
asking for attention per say, but the music absolutely demands it. This is
seriously invigorating stuff here folks. I've wanted to write up a little
some'n some'n for a while but just hadn't yet found the words. Nor did I
really, just a bit of rambling here….
The songs typically start out a little easy going from the
smooth bass, gentle precise riffs and soft vocals veering into a rather angular
post-punkish/mathy direction which scenically captures a panoramic soundscape
accessible to even the most audibly handicapped. A heavy western flair lurks
within the majority of the record pairing comfortably with the soothingly gruff
vocal cries. Mild guitar distortion flashes like heavy eyes baking in a
shadeless haze during the mid 1990's. The instruments all come together full
circle keeping the band from falling victim to any sort of genre pigeon-holing.
The vocals have a convincing tone with a variable volume that keeps listeners at bay.
Songs like "Steps on Sacred Ground" are a perfect
example of what I'm getting at. Smooth and sexy opening with a gentle vocal
whisper morphing into a haunting fetish of grunge laced fuzzorama.
The band lists a variety of influences on their Facebook
profile which are definitely evident including Sonic Youth, Pixies, Nirvana,
The Beatles and Black Sabbath. I could argue throw equal parts in the blender;
add a little lemon zest and you have yourself a SkyAcre cocktail. Pretty potent
stuff and goes down smooth. I'm a fan, bought the CD which came with some swag
including a fridge magnet of the cover art, which I have on my fridge right now
next to a couple other band magnets I've randomly collected. That says quite a
bit right there. Only the best sounding bands are worthy of holding up pics of
the kids on the fridge. If they sucked they would not be on my fridge; the
band’s magnet that is.
Let us know how you liked it. You did go straight to the
link to push play correct? Well, it'd be a lot cooler if you did.
-The Huntsman
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