skyward - drift

Skyward

Drift
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Demiera Harris

One word sticks out in my mind as I listen to Skyward’s Drift EP: confidence. It is their third work, and it shows; the sound is very well developed, each instrument is played with boldness and clarity, and they are obviously very comfortable doing what they’re doing. 

The five-track EP consists of electropop seasoned rock with just the right amount of appeal to attract a large audience, yet just enough slam to get your blood pumping and your fist shaking. Though there are only a handful of tracks, there is a good deal of variance from the beginning to the end, with the EP containing both bright and flavorful songs as well as ballads and introspective melodies.

“Drift” is as good an introduction as any. The melody seems to bloom from an ever-expanding aura, taking off to glide amid crisp drums and very strong vocals. The piano adds just right amount of flavor to the whole sound. It feeds effortlessly into “Last Parade,” a soaring song with tons of energy feeding into the swift guitar chords and rapid-fire drums. 

If any one song here were chosen for radio exposure, “Cold Hearts” would be that song. The vocals are highly accessible but the guitars maintain a rock feel, just the right kind of balance to entice listeners all around. Beyond the radio, I could definitely see this song reaching a more widespread audience, particularly if played at an indie rock fest (Lollapalooza, are you listening?). 

There are some slower, more ballad style songs too, and “Sing It Back” stuck out most to me. It’s an almost sickeningly sweet song; it’s not quite as mellow as the one before it but still awesome nonetheless. I absolutely love the second part of the vocals in this song, with the half step progressions that very easily get stuck in the head and are a lot of fun to hum, even for someone like me with no vocal rhythm at all. 

The next thing I want to hear is for these guys to break completely out of the shell they’ve so masterfully crafted for themselves, and go crazy on the instruments. Now that their signature sound has been discovered, there is so much room to grow and I think the evolution will be an amazing thing to hear. Definitely check out this EP, and while you’re at it listen to their previous works. You won’t be disappointed.

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