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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.
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