Portland-based duo Sky Lions released their debut album “Inside The Circle” in August. It’s a collection of nine songs that will appeal to anyone even remotely in wisely assembled music. Soundwise, Sky Lions combine all the vital post-punk elements with some of the finest properties borrowed from other complementary music genres like synthwave, darkwave, goth rock, and electronic music. Perhaps some readers might find this amalgam as way too many genres stacked into one place, but no worries, Sky Lions are pros in combining various styles into a colossal slab of harmonious, mesmerizing sound.
“Inside The Circle” commences with “No One Knows,” a catchy synthwave track decorated with cleverly assembled sequenced melodies, dark ambiances, semi-distorted basslines, and danceable rhythms. Still, Outer Stace’s hypnotic vocal harmonies steal the show in this one, as she emphasizes every instrumentation with impressive vocal range. Sky Lions slow down the pace with the title track, which demonstrates their more gothy side. Once again, vocals shine bright in the mix, while the excellent chord progressions, heavily distorted shreds, intricate synth leads, and moderate beats gradually shape the ambiance. It’s an album title track for a very good reason, as it showcases their ability to paint complex sonic imagery where every element resonates with sheer power and aggression.
“Werewolves” and “1692 Moon” continue at almost the same pace but with even more emphasis on goth rock and post-punk. It’s nearly mindblowing how these two tracks resonate with a profoundly detailed ambiance, suitable for a horror movie soundtrack. Radio Sloan’s impressive ideas delivered on guitars and intricate synth leads define these two tracks, while the rhythmic sequences are even heavier, robust, and aggressive. “Click Here To Visit Hell” dives even deeper into obscurity as the guitar riffs become more experimental and ambient, thanks to the application of various guitar effects. It’s more of a downtempo, stripped-down version where synths serve more as avant-garde audio effects and sonic maneuvers. ” Hello Firefly” and “Psychic Gifts” continue at the same tempo, but it’s a more defined composition that leans towards ambiental goth rock sound. Once again, Sky Lions deliver impressive riffs and synth leads while the drumming remains in downtempo mode. This pleasant synthy goth journey comes to an end with “Spirits” and “Transcendence,” two goth-folk-inspired numbers that serve as a perfect closure for such an excellent full-length release. Both compositions carry exceptional horror themes performed on acoustic guitar that will give you the chills. Of course, Outer Stace’s powerful voice decorates, highlights, and uplifts all these songs, and you’ll notice how every segment or each number sounds even more colossal because of her perfect balance between low, mid, and high notes.
“Inside The Circle” is a remarkable full-length release you surely don’t want to miss if you’re into goth-rock, post-punk, horror-inspired synthwave music. Sky Lions are one of those bands that demands your utmost attention, so head to your favorite streaming platforms and check this album out.
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