Skypark

Item: Overbluecity
Author: Adam L.

Overbluecity

(2000)

Reviewed by Adam L.

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Word RecordsReAL Magazine2000

alternative rock funk rock modern rock pop rock

Every once in a while, there comes a band who startles the world with their fresh ideas and groundbreaking sounds. The Beatles were one such group who did that, along with many others that I do not have space for in this review. There are also bands who would have everyone believe they are "ready to make rock history." That's actually a direct quote from the founder and bass player of Skypark, Tony Deerfield. This type of band is something that I've repeatedly come across in secular music, but it's almost refreshing to see in Christian music--that is, a band that's so full of themselves they say things like that. It would be funny if it weren't so sad.

I'm going to start with the positives about this album. There are flashes of brilliance that make the listener want more of what they just did. They have a great sound for their guitars that hasn't been heard for a long time. It's got a sort of crunch and distortion that I miss in today's alternative bands. There's a very interesting duet with the Celtic superstar Maire Brennan on the title track, which in itself isn't too bad.

Now to the easy part--their problems. The first major problem (and there are several) is their lyrics. They begin their "history making" album with 'Viva Satellite,' which sounds pretty decent if you ignore the words. But if you happen to look at the liner notes, you'll see such classics as: "keep your eyes on center ring / see the foursome orbiting / miles above this mortal ground / cranking knobs to supersound" and others. I hope they're not being serious, although it does fit with Deerfield's comments. But perhaps the most glaring example is in 'The Girl in Your Picture.' They start out good--a reference to Penny Lane--but roll downhill from there. "You're much nicer on Kodak paper / I really wish you could be / like the girl in your picture." Wow. For a Christian band, God/Lord/Holy Ghost are only mentioned three times in the entire album. There are some metaphors, but it's mostly shallow pop drivel for the rest.

The other big problem is their sound. While I said before I liked their guitar sound, the rest of the sound reminds me of the traditional two or three year gap between secular music and Christian music. It's as if Skypark is living in history rather than making any. The only history they might make with this album is fastest hand-to-trash can time. So, in conclusion, if you really want my opinion, don't buy it.