The Skys is a truly classic progressive rock band from Lithuania. Formed in 1995, the band has now released The Colours Of The Desert’ which is its fourth album to date. A dual male/female lead vocal arrangement makes for a unique sound and with a Moog analogue synth sound this band is of great interest to the prog purist. Adding to the multitude of instruments employed on this album, there are many guest musicians, notably Dave Kilmister (Asia, Roger Waters) and the saxophonist Snake Davis (Eurythmics, M-People). The first and title track is fantastic; a combination of a chanting vocal, an analogue and very Moog-ish synth solo and a blistering guitar solo from Kilmister rolled into a seven and a half minute epic full of tempo and key changes. Vocalist Bozena Buinicka comes into her own on the next track, ‘Is This The Way’, with an aggressive choral interchange with fellow lead vocalist, Jonas Ciurlionis. Common themes emerge during the following track ‘I…He…’; that is, a lavish underlying orchestral synth sound laying the foundation for quirky vocals and punchy instrumental breaks. The subsequent track, ‘Walking Alone’, warrants the epic tag; a nine minute and very Pink Floyd-esque track – vocals kicking in over three minutes from the start and multiple key signature changes. A majestic sax solo break from Snake Davis on ‘When The Western Wind Blows’ brings a new dimension to the album in this otherwise laidback track. The next track, ‘Calling Out Your Name’ has a much more commercial feel to it with a very accessible arrangement comprising a catchy solo and classic rock based guitar sound. As a counterpoint, the following brace of lengthy songs, ‘The Pyramid’ and ‘Lethal Kiss’ provide a very moody and introspective vibewhere unusual instrumental sounds and traditional folk rhythms are experimented with. Rather than ending on this intense note, the final track ‘What If?’, albeit very short, is tremendously upbeat with a more standard structure and a warm production along with Snake Davis yet again sending the song into the stratosphere. This is a very good album with a wide range of song styles displayed based around a progressive yet commercial sound. Best listened through a quality sound system to appreciate all of the album´s sonic landscape!
Rob McKenzie