SKY 2

Sky is actually one of my earlier encounters with prog. The band is mainly from the prog-poor eighties so that will have something to do with it (seventies prog I discovered later on). In fact I had a friend in those days who introduced me to the band (1985 ?). He was a big fan, played it a couple of times and I actually enjoyed it but since there were no CD's yet in those days but were some years later I bought the CD as soon as I saw it. Never became a huge fan but it's nice music.

It's instrumental and I always like those. Hotta is the first track and one of the highlights I believe, it's pretty fierce for Sky standards but an inventive and great composition (4*). The Dance of the little fairies is more like average Sky: funny, bit folky tune (3*). Sahara reminds me of Iris in the beginning but then turns into a rhythmic kind of dance tune then going back to a very slow dreamy one, interesting variation ! Good track (3,5*). The epical Fifo consists of four parts and has a classical build up with Adagio and Scherzo but the composition itself is not in classical style. It's again varied instrumental handling with many different instruments successively taking their turn, again with nice rhythm. Sky isn't really about structured songs with themes coming back all the time, it's true prog in this sense that they leave the usual road and shine in complexity sometimes sounding like improvisation. You will not get bored with this album at least not so far with the first 4 songs, not when you sit down and have a real good listen. Because there is also another way of going about with Sky's music and that is use it as background music but to be honest that is mainly by the absence of vocals, not because it's simple music. Anyway, Fifo is a classic to me, good epic, especially the first movement (3,75*).

Unfortunately we have had the best after these first four. Of the other tracks I believe only Gavotte & var. and Scipio (highlight !) are really worth mentioning. But still a pretty good effort by Sky and you get enough playing time with this disc (almost 80 minutes). 3 stars (3,2) and recommended for fans of instrumental varied music (modern & classical) who can also appreciate some humour in it (Tuba Smarties).