Straight out of Brooklyn, NY and featuring members of Darkest Hour, City of Caterpillar, Majority Rule and Verse Em Coma comes Ancient Sky. I don’t know if I’d call it any kind of trend, maybe I’m just now noticing, but I’m starting to see bands begin to combine Stoner, Psychedelic and Prog Rock. Bands like Astra, Bigelf and now Ancient Sky.Coming off as something of a blend of Pink Floyd and Captain Beyond, Ancient Sky delivers an opus loaded with twists, turns, ebbs, flows, psychedelic atmosphere and heavy groove. Some of it is bizarre and hypnotic, some of it is grooving and bouncy. Musically, the band is quite interesting in it’s delivery and execution. It’s strong nods to a bygone era coming off pure and affectionate. Vocally, however, the band falls a bit short. It’s a shame when a singer’s style and delivery adversely affects and album and this, sadly, is one of those times. Coming off as a poor man’s Jim Morrison, the vocals do nothing to enhance the music. Given a better vocalist, this band could really stand out. Alas, the vocals here make an otherwise very good album a struggle to listen to.
Given my affection for other bands listed here, I really wanted to have another title to add to my growing collection. Unfortunately, I have yet another “could have been” to find a new home for. But, if you can get past the vocals, the music is far out.
