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Current concise reviews of the albums by adult alternative, contemporary, and crossover artists. Images of album artwork and links to both internet-based resources are always included. Click on the title to view the article.

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Spherics
Image © Spherics 2004

Shylo from Spherics Image © Stephen Lambe 2004
 

(20 August 2004) Musical Discoveries first became aware of Spherics during the Guilfest festival in July 2004, where they performed as a six-piece hard rock band, fronted by the striking Shylo Van Heyzen. Subsequent investigation revealed them to be a band of considerable talent and depth, playing songs in a variety of styles while maintaining a philosophy of playing music with emotion and atmosphere. The core of the band, based in Surrey, UK, are Shylo who provides wonderfully warm yet powerful vocals, and talented multi-instrumentalist Jay Wood who plays all studio instruments. We here review their four-track EP "Making Waves" to whet the appetite of readers for more coverage of this excellent and immensely promising new band.

A folk-influenced acoustic introduces "23.50," before both electric and acoustic guitars lead the instruments into the song proper, a slow paced rocker which maintains is rootsy lilt though out. Shylo's lead vocal is wonderful, and the multi-tracked vocals on the chorus are spine tingling. Next up is "Love Song?," one of the band’s finest pieces. This is lighter and funkier, but still wonderfully atmospheric and passionate with an uplifting chorus and some great, sustained guitar.

Electric guitar harmonics--always good for setting a mood--introduce "Sunsets and Cemeteries" which is wonderfully atmospheric pop, with another delightful vocal arrangement and some inventive instrumentation. "My darkness" is much more up-tempo and heavy, a keyboard-laden verse leading into a raw, aggressive chorus, showcasing Jay's rock guitar style (with strong echos of 80s gothic rock as well as contemporary heavy rock) and Shylo's impressive vocal range.

As a showcase for what the band can do this EP is just too short. So many musical styles are suggested--and indeed mastered-- while maintaining a consistent mood, we were simply left desperate for more. Having heard some of the bands other material, including some rough mixes from their forthcoming album, they have talent to burn and an exciting future. A stunning EP and an exciting taste of the future.--Stephen Lambe

 
 
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