Susan Frances
09/02/08, 04:11 PM
The City and Skyway – Compose Yourself EP
Record Label: Slim Pickens Records
Release Date: May 9, 2008
The power of three is notorious for being effective in mobilizing events to happen, and maybe no one knows that better then the rock trio The City and Skyway. Formed by guitarist Barry Johnston, guitarist Eric Wilke, and singer Mitch Lyon, The City and Skyway produce a modern rock turbulence that is emblematic of The Audition, and power pop surges relatable to Candlebox on their 6-track debut record, Compose Yourself. The three are joined by Nick Lyon on bass, Daniel Gilbert on guitar, and Ryan Joyce on drums. The band members have each previously been a part of other groups lineups, some of which have been Dashboard Confessional, Hey Mercedes, The Promise Ring, Maritime, and Limbeck to name a few. The City and Skyway’s songs are crafted from pure rock ideals, and though their album sounds amazing, the band plays little that sets them apart from other rock bands. They acclimate to modern rock’s conditions nicely, but they are missing one very vital component in their album that would show they take risks and have something more to offer music fans.
Track after track delivers jet-skiing guitars and frenzied rock rhythms like “Waiting” and “Warning Signs,” changing the cuts of the shingles and rippling effects while banistered by Lyon’s heated vocals. The melodic rock sequences and acoustic guitar strokes sauntering along “Monday” produce an even flow and ebb movement that bodes well with Lyon’s melodic keyed vocals. The soft rock transfusions bolted into “Throwing Stars” build up to a massive flourish and then shatter spontaneously into shards of splinters that scatter bits soaring through the air on the exit of the tune. The bucking pop punk thrusts rushing through “Requests for Heaven” charge forward without pausing for a moment to hold back. The trio sneak in a bonus track, a soft acoustic rock tune entitled “Cities and Seas,” which shows beautifully lined harmonies and creative skills which transcend modern rock conditions. It’s deceptively simple and very pleasing on the senses.
The City and Skyway sell themselves short as acoustic rock artists and they have a ways to go as far as setting themselves apart from the bands that they have played in from their past. Their EP, Compose Yourself builds a solid foundation for the trio, but where they go from here is really up to them.
The Audition, Candlebox, Lifehouse
www.myspace.com/thecityandskyway (http://www.myspace.com/thecityandskyway)
Record Label: Slim Pickens Records
Release Date: May 9, 2008
The power of three is notorious for being effective in mobilizing events to happen, and maybe no one knows that better then the rock trio The City and Skyway. Formed by guitarist Barry Johnston, guitarist Eric Wilke, and singer Mitch Lyon, The City and Skyway produce a modern rock turbulence that is emblematic of The Audition, and power pop surges relatable to Candlebox on their 6-track debut record, Compose Yourself. The three are joined by Nick Lyon on bass, Daniel Gilbert on guitar, and Ryan Joyce on drums. The band members have each previously been a part of other groups lineups, some of which have been Dashboard Confessional, Hey Mercedes, The Promise Ring, Maritime, and Limbeck to name a few. The City and Skyway’s songs are crafted from pure rock ideals, and though their album sounds amazing, the band plays little that sets them apart from other rock bands. They acclimate to modern rock’s conditions nicely, but they are missing one very vital component in their album that would show they take risks and have something more to offer music fans.
Track after track delivers jet-skiing guitars and frenzied rock rhythms like “Waiting” and “Warning Signs,” changing the cuts of the shingles and rippling effects while banistered by Lyon’s heated vocals. The melodic rock sequences and acoustic guitar strokes sauntering along “Monday” produce an even flow and ebb movement that bodes well with Lyon’s melodic keyed vocals. The soft rock transfusions bolted into “Throwing Stars” build up to a massive flourish and then shatter spontaneously into shards of splinters that scatter bits soaring through the air on the exit of the tune. The bucking pop punk thrusts rushing through “Requests for Heaven” charge forward without pausing for a moment to hold back. The trio sneak in a bonus track, a soft acoustic rock tune entitled “Cities and Seas,” which shows beautifully lined harmonies and creative skills which transcend modern rock conditions. It’s deceptively simple and very pleasing on the senses.
The City and Skyway sell themselves short as acoustic rock artists and they have a ways to go as far as setting themselves apart from the bands that they have played in from their past. Their EP, Compose Yourself builds a solid foundation for the trio, but where they go from here is really up to them.
The Audition, Candlebox, Lifehouse
www.myspace.com/thecityandskyway (http://www.myspace.com/thecityandskyway)