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Skylights – Time To Let Things Go
If The Twang had written ‘Took The Fun’ with Embrace, then this single's trippy, anthemic joy would have resulted.
On February 9th, Leeds’ unsung heroes Skylights will return with their new single ‘Time To Let Things Go‘. The single will be released as a 7” CD via the impeccable 42’s Records.
*banner image courtesy of 42’s Records. Credit: Johnny Grenda.
Artwork by Painted Papillon Smile. Click the image ot purchase.
Last time out on ‘Rebellion’, Skylights brought their natural inclination to indie euphoria to the precipice of the Pistols’ filth and fury. ‘Time To Let Things Go’ finds them in a much different mood, both sonically and philosophically.
If The Twang had written ‘Took The Fun’ with Embrace, this single's trippy, anthemic joy would have resulted. Rob Scarisbrick’s vocals have Phil Etheridge’s melodic gruffness, allowing for a humbleness to loiter even as they soar to the climax. It gives this tale of self-reflection and positive change the rawness and poignancy of Ken Loach at his best.
Guesting on the record are Julia Violinista on strings and Ian Surgenor on keyboards. Their input cannot be understated. The emotion of Surgenor’s keys in the opening alone are enough to set any bottom lip wobbling. Meanwhile, Violinista’s strings soar with such splendour they’ll have you double checking Youth wasn’t producing the single.
The single has moments of Embrace and Liam Gallagher’s solo-era euphoria. Still, its guitarist Turnbull Smith’s Ashcroft flourishes on the acoustic or the lo-fi Thirteen Senses indie in the outro, which gives it a sheen that spells an even brighter future for the band. Everything about them signifies a band who have no fear. They’ve seen the promised land; it’s up to us to follow them now.
Skylights – What You Are
Acomb’s Skylights have had quite the journey to the release of their debut album ‘What You Are’. The band called it a day a few years back their indie euphoria looked set to fall into the category of ‘what might have been’. Then, in 2020, they returned, would this last roll of the dice pay off?
The album is available to buy from 42s Records.
In the spirit of the last chance saloon, they often adopt the windswept string anthems of Feeder and the sun setting drama of Soundtrack of our Lives. ‘Nothing Left To Say’ has the dreamy ambition of ‘Feeling A Moment’ and the emotive power of ‘Just The Way I’m Feeling’ but, Turnbull Smith’s guitars take it to new planes. His Wedding Present jangle of the intro and shimmering solo give it ambition and hopefulness the grey landscapes of the UK so desperately require.
Meanwhile, on ‘What You Are’ and ‘Take Me Somewhere’ they inject their newfound defiance into these well-worn sounds. The former is far more bullish and accompanied by great aggressive Pete Townsend windmills. Whereas, ‘Take Me Somewhere’ has the longing visions and psychedelic hooks of the Soundtracks of ‘You Are The Beginning’.
Their penchant for the indie epic is offset by more urgent flourishes on ‘YRA’ and ‘Lifeline’. ‘YRA’ is the perfect homage to the 00s with its Kasabian beats, The Music’s guitar licks, and the balls-out swagger of The Twang. ‘Lifeline’ taps into the colossal sound of Adam Nutter’s disco-psychedelia and puts it through Noel’s looping masterpiece ‘Columbia’. Both offer a way out for anyone angst-ridden and yearning for their Jimmy “way of life” moment.
‘Britannia’, originally written for the 2012 Olympics, also has the vastness of The Who’s world. Myles Soley’s apocalyptic drumming provides a cataclysmic platform for Smith’s Townsend-esque fury and frontman Rob Scarisbrick’s snarling to erupt the album into chaos.
What was a fortuitous reformation has undoubtedly led to one of the albums of the year! This isn’t a breakout debut, it’s the sound of a band 3 albums deep commanding the respect of academy-sized audiences.
Image courtesy of 42s Records & Mark Tigue
Skylights – Outlaw
Artwork by Paul Evans. Courtesy of 42’s Records.
Off the back of sold-out shows in their home cities of York and Leeds, Skylights are back with their third single ‘Outlaw’. Released last Friday via 42’s Records, it was recorded (&mixed) by John Greatewood and will feature on their upcoming debut album ‘What You Are’.
The Instantaneous energy of The Clash and the dark power of The Cult roar into life. Nodes of glam rock and Happy Mondays wobble psyche-guitars lurk with intent to lift this ode to Aberdeen fans.
It’s a stark contrast to the windswept Feeder-inspired anthem ‘Darkness Falls’ and the colossal spiralling guitars of ‘Enemies’.
*Image courtesy of Mark Tighe & 42’s Records.
The evidence is stark, ‘What You Are’ is shaping up to be the underdog album of the year!
Click the image below for tickets totheir upcoming gigs:
