Reviewed by Nick Castle

Skypark have been around a while Stateside with one track from a remix album recently given serious airplay on Cross Rhythms radio and this set could establish a UK following for the band. There are not many albums which I really like on first listen, but with their Beatles, All Star United and PER resemblance, this assisted their appeal. Although they had qualities from many artists, their sound is very original and fresh. Producer Ed Stasium (Living Colour, the Ramones), has brought a polished sound to the band and sometimes tempted them to be that extra, although sometimes risky, bit creative. This all aids the quality of this second album and makes their sound unique, The driving guitars in the first track, "Viva Satellite" and "That Something" set the tone of aggressive, thought provoking music. Their harmonies shine in "Please Don't Go Away" and the lingering grooves of the bass impel "Fall Forever". The fine track "The Girl In Your Picture" has the satirical but hard-hitting lyrics "you're much nicer on Kodak paper, you're always smiling at me.../I really wish you could be like the girl in your picture." The title track features the beautiful guest backing vocals from Clannatt's Maire Brennan, which really brings out the depth of the lead singer's (Wells') voice. The final track deals with relationships and has the most obvious Radiohead influence, which is a good thing. A great second album from a good quality band.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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