The band was set up by respected Australian-born British classical guitarist John Williams, well known British bass player & session musician Herbie Flowers(who had worked with the likes of Lou Reed, Elton John, David Bowie, Paul McCartney and George Harrison), and drummer & percussionist Tristan Fry. Added to the initial line-up was   Francis Monkman on piano, synthesizer, and harpsichord. And Kevin Peek on electric and acoustic guitars.

The bands self titled debut took in  six tracks- featuring five short tracks( hitting around the three minute mark), and one epic 19 plus minute track. The album became a surprise big hit in both the Uk & Australian- and it a way it’s easy to see why, as it took the prog sound & put into a approachable instrument format- utilizing classical melodies, and putting them into a rock/pop format. The band created a tight & slick late 70’s sound, moving from the quite funky & excellent opener Westway, which brought together throbbing synth ‘n’ groovy bass line with intricate yet harmonic layers of acoustic & electric guitar. Onto heart felt & emotional  classical acoustic guitar meets pop prog like guitar soloing of  Carillion. Through to the soothing &  hushed lullaby like  quality of tracks like Gymnopedie No 1.  You can hear hints of Mike Oldfield, the  instrumental side of Queen, & tinges of  Goblin  in the albums make-up, though Sky do very much have their own sonic identity  too. Simply put it’s a hugely enjoyable, wholly consistent, varied & memorable album.

This new reissue features a full digital remastering, three extra tracks- which take in: two A side single releases & a lengthy live track. Added to this you get a region free DVD that features a whole host of live  & British TV footage of the band from the likes of  Pebble Mill & The Val Doonican show.  On top of this you get a great full color 20 page inlay booklet which takes in new liner notes, reprints of the original albums lengthy liner notes, artwork, band press pictures from the time, ect. Esoteric Recordings reissues are always well done & impressive affairs, but for these Sky reissues they have really spent a lot of time & effort putting them together, making these really the definitive versions of these releases.

If you are a fan of memorable 70’s to 80’s instrumental music of any form- be if prog, soundtracks, classical music focused rock, or popular fusion this album really is a must have item!, and it’s surprisingly well priced at around £12.00 for a cd/dvd set.