WANDERING IN THE VASTNESS

Welcome back on the horse, Roderick. This is the follower effort of the acclaimed 2020 album 'Secret Of A Red Planet', that was highly praised by me. SKY CRIES MARY are offering a chain of 12 more compressed tracks this time. Social distance. Like in many similar cases the COVID-19 conditions have forced them to alter the modus operandi, to record in different studios. Song-writing dominates jamming appeal overall on this occasion. That evolved into a thoroughly wide range from a stylistical point of view, including weird psychedelic excursions up to rather simple rocking songs, let's say close to the Rolling Stones. In best tradition the album again was released on the acclaimed US label Trail Records, the 4th in a row in the meanwhile to be precise. Jack Endino, producer and engineer for Nirvana and Soundgarden for example, is in responsibilty here once more, also contributing guitar and drums concerning one song at least.

Crystal Gazing is making a powerful kick-off, as well as Bridge Sleepers showcasing a bit of a punk attitude I'd say. Somewhat getting similar to the band Beyond-O-Matic, the atmospheric space mantra like Red Red Fox and Chaos At The Port later are providing perfectly complementing male and female vocals. This yet is SKY CRIES MARY I learned to love during recent years! Debra Reese is involved now since 2017 as the vocal counterpart to band founder Roderick Wolgamott, who is providing the lyrics in general. This is contrasted due to the straightforward rocking Can't Find The Time, one can say akin to the Rolling Stones in sound, just to emphasize the stylistical range. Or Bright Biggest Eye which bears some distinct Americana psych pop appeal.

The song couple The Dolmen and Jodo then sees them more on the meditative respectively experimental, weird side. As noted beforehand already, this is serving great variety. A big plus, they don't have repeated themselves, which would have been an easier practice probably. And then it's quite obvious, just important to note that the musicanship appears to be flawless again. Speaking of the also involved Ben Ireland (keyboards, drums), Curt Eckman (bass) and main guitarist Kevin Whitworth. Just from a very personal view, as it is always more or less, I would not count 'Wandering In The Vastness' among their absolutely best efforts, though this still is a properly made and recommended album anyhow. Three and a half stars out of five.