THE SKY (Robert Fleischman) – Majestic (2014)

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THE SKY was formed in 2010 by veteran rock vocalist / songwriter / producer Robert Fleischman (ex- Journey, Vinnie Vincent Invasion), and after a good self-titled debut, the band returns with the second offering “Majestic”.
While the first CD was oriented to a classic rock pattern with up-front guitars, “Majestic” encapsulates the musical energy of The Sky but with an extended dynamic that adds a number of new layers to the band’s sound.

“Majestic” is simply fabulous. Much more melodic and vital in the sense of harmonies, there’s an hypnotic atmosphere over the entire new album even though you’ll find a serious undertone in its lyrics. This new record sounds more complete and rich, production is crisp and not so static like on the first album, simply because the melodies rule on this one.
The spacey and, it has to be said – majestic indeed – “Breath Away” opens the CD in soaring melodious style but the song would also make a powerful closing track as it’s the kind of pulsating compositions with that special ‘aura’.
Robert Fleischman’s voice is better than never. So many singers struggle hard to keep their voices in shape when they’re getting old but Robert sounds like a young in its twenties, with the experience of a veteran. He’s singing in a higher pitch on “Majestic” compared to The Sky’s first album from 2011, and now we really appreciate the man’s tuneful pipes.

Following number “Pill” is The Sky at their most vibrant; a rocking song with a modern approach yet at the same time very classy. Then things get a little bluesy on the slow-burning and groovy “One Day”, with the band’s new rhythm guitarist Ryan Lake throwing some tasty lead shapes across the song.
The ’90s Enuff ‘Z Nuff sounding verses and heavy chorus of “I Need It” mesh extremely well, this is melodic rock dressed in hard rock clothing, while “Take Away” expands on the ‘Z Nuff vibe even more in what you can call a Fab Four influence as well. The latter comes complete with orchestration, a bridge straight out of the Beatles songbook and a lovely little solo from lead guitarist Brady Cole that could be a homage to George Harrison.

“Majestic” has its strongest songs contained within the first half of the track sequencing but in truth there are highlights throughout the thirteen songs in the album.
For example “Little By Little” has a ‘sure I’ve heard it before’ quality about it but that’s down to a simple but ridiculously effective melody – and a three word chorus hook you’ll be singing or humming for the rest of the day.

The straight melodic rocker “One More Chance” (again recalling Enuff ‘Z Nuff) surrounded by keyboards, and “Poison Little Fingers” pick up the pace and allow the band to rock out; the up-tempo pairing are tempered and separated by the AOR-ish, acoustic-led “So I’ll Wait”, a song which carries an ambience like no other song on the album.

Fleischman also takes the listener back to the sound of his first solo record in songs like “In My Head” and “Walls”, while the vibes of “Don’t Know What I’d Do” could’ve been an unreleased song by America.
Each member of The Sky plays their part on “Majestic” – the aforementioned Brady Cole and Ryan Lake are already sounding like the perfect six-string partnership, supported by drummer Andre LaBelle (ex- Vinnie Vincent Invasion as well) and bassist Steve Barber in a solid rhythm section.
On the debut LaBelle and Barber drove the majority of the songs along but on “Majestic” they lay the rhythmic foundations upon which the musical tracks are laid – they underpin the bigger sound and extended dynamic that includes orchestration and keyboard additions from Robert Fleischman.
But it’s the front man’s natural instrument that is the focal point – make that vocal point – of “Majestic”. When Robert Fleischman first came to prominence in 1977 as Journey’s first front man (preceding Steve Perry) he loudly and clearly demonstrated he had the ‘screamer’ notes and range.

However, Fleischman has more vocal depth these days and his vocal intelligence and melodic phrasing, crafted over the decades, are a far counter-tenor cry from Journey and the Vinnie Vincent Invasion.
Simply put, Robert Fleischman is singing better now than at any other time in his career.
Case in vocal point is final song “Sincerely Me”. This simply arranged ballad highlights Robert Fleischman’s sense of melody and what a song needs; it all makes for a poignant finish and one of Fleischman’s strongest, yet understated, performances.

“Majestic” is a wonderful album from start to finish. It’s lovely arranged and performed where each song breathes with its own sonic subtlety.
Fleischman and the guys have crafted a delightful collection of songs built for comfort, plenty of adorable melodies and class. “Majestic” it’s an album that intentionally plays the slow-is-more card and goes for its colored musical nuances.
Definitely, The Sky’s 2nd album is stronger than their debut (which was already good too), and one of the more uplifting releases appeared lately.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

You’ve seen it first here, at 0dayrox

01 – Breath Away
02 – Pill
03 – One day
04 – I Need It
05 – Take Away
06 – In My Head
07 – Little By Little
08 – One More Chance
09 – So I’ll Wait
10 – Poison Little Fingers
11 – Walls
12 – Don’t Know What I’d Do
13 – Sincerely Me

Robert Fleischman (lead vocals)
Ryan Lake (guitar)
Brady Cole (guitar)
Steve Barber (bass)
Andre LaBelle (drums)

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