Sky — Sky 2

Here’s the second in series of recent reissues of Sky releases on Esoteric Recordings/Cherry Red. Sky were an English/Australian instrumental progressive rock group who existed (in one form or another) between the late 70’s & mid 90’s, and created an often approachable brand of classical influenced rock music & fusion.  Here we have the bands second album, which originally appeared in the form of a double vinyl album back in 1980- reissued as a cd / DVD double set.

The band  was started up in 1978 by three highly respected & virtuous musicians: Australian-born British classical guitarist John Williams, well known British bass player & session musician Herbie Flowers, and drummer & percussionist Tristan Fry. Added to the initial line-up was  Francis Monkman on piano, keyboards, synthesizer, and harpsichord. And Kevin Peek on electric and acoustic guitars. The band were at the height of both their popularity and artistically between the late 1970’s & the early 1980, and this second album is often quoted by many as their best work.

This album takes in thirteen tracks in all, and it saw the band expanding both the length, compositional complexity, and sonic detail of their work from their debut album- and you can certainly say things are a lot more epic, and sophisticated, through not necessarily better. You see I’m a huge fan of the bands début album, as it perfectly mangers to balance approachability & virtuous- taking  the prog sound & putting into a approachable instrumental format- utilizing classical melodies, and setting them perfectly in  a rock/pop format- and doing it in a fairly instant & non-showy manner. The main problem with much of this album is the band just seem to want to keep adding more & more twists, darts & turns to each track- so instead of settling on a great & memorable tune, they are just always wanting to  to expand & at times be showy for showy shake.  Sure there is some amazing playing through-out, often clever compositional flare present, and some truly great moments in the tracks- but as a whole it just seems too ego driven & overtly epic. I guess it’s really down to what your after & you're expectations are- if you heard & enjoyed the first album, but wished for more complex/ epic moments- you’ll probably enjoy this. But if you liked the more pared back, most ego-less, and instant sound of the debut album you may find this a little too OTT.

This new reissue features a full digital remastering, but no bonus tracks( it was a originally double album, so  there’s little room on one disc). Also there is  a region free DVD that features two live concerts  & a appearance on Top Of The Pops- in all you get 15 tracks on the DVD.  Added to this you get a 20 page inlay booklet which takes in three pages of new liner notes, pictures of the band from the time, and full album credits.

So in summing it’s great to see Esoteric Recordings carrying on their reissuing of Sky’s back catalogue, and this is another well put together & bonus filled reissue.But personally I just found the album too ego fed & over indulgent, with not enough thought  put into memorable yet rewarding composition.