Sky Orchid - Oculus (2017)

OFFICIAL: https://skyorchid.net/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/skyorchidofficial/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/skyorchidband

Written by Pamela Bellmore, posted by blog admin

“The River” opens Sky Orchid’s first release with a subtle statement of intent. Vocalist Gabriel Traknyak and an arrangement enveloped with a powerful sound and potent dynamics establishes Sky Orchid’s sonic and musical identity in an emphatic way, though they reveal different sides as their debut Oculus progresses. “Sneakers” is the first hint they possess a rare versatility. Brothers Gabriel and Daniel Traknyak are the sole movers behind this band and their multi-instrumental talents are responsible for every note you hear. Even on a recording, however, they demonstrate an obvious chemistry with one another that should make longtime fans and followers of this style wonder what they can accomplish live with these songs if they can find like-minded musicians. There’s a muted, nuanced quality to “Sneakers” quite unlike what we hear with the first song, but they share essential similarities. Sky Orchid claims a stylishness all their own early in this release and everything bears a distinctive touch.

There’s a more pronounced cinematic edge to “In the Fire (Pt. 1)”, but the song is reminiscent of the wide screen and impassioned style the duo shows with the album’s first song. It’s a lyrically exceptional tune, as are all of the songs on “in the Fire (Pt. 1)”, but the crowning jewel with this cut and others is Gabriel Traknyak’s singing. He has an emotional depth rare to singers in the pop rock vein and the duo’s modern song still shows a total command of essential fundamentals. The acoustic guitar dominating the song “Wildfire” has a direct melodic quality inviting listeners into the song and Gabriel Traynyak’s singing envelops the arrangement with a dim, midnight mood full of improbable soulfulness from this style of music. Sky Orchid plays with tempos on “I’ll Stop the World (Pt. 2)” to excellent effect, but the bulk of the performance is built around Daniel Traknyak’s precise, powerful drumming and the steady energy he sustains from the first. It’s the most full out rock track thus far on the album and one of its most successful overall.

“Lex” achieves a level of intimacy surpassing earlier songs and it comes primarily from another stellar Gabriel Traknyak lead vocal. His songwriting partnership with his brother is, undoubtedly, one of the key strengths the duo exhibit with Oculus, but Gabriel has the added opportunity of standing out as one the best vocalists of his generation. His unique fusion of feeling and power comes through in every line. “Breathe Easy” cops a light reggae feel alongside their usual pop rock inclinations. It’s the oldest song on the album, dating back seven years, but the brothers sing and play it still with unabashed glee and confound expectations when, near the end, the song takes on a furious near hard rock attack.  The album’s final song “Fortify” is a smooth, artfully turned final curtain for Oculus and Gabriel Traknyak imbues it with one of his most upbeat, inspired vocals. Oculus’ ten songs reveal Sky Orchid to be a band with potential depths that they’ve only begun to explore, but it’s a fine release nonetheless.