ARTIST: Skyler
ALBUM: Skyler (EP)
RATING: 4/5

Let me preface this with a statement; this is neither my choice of genre, nor my forte.

Going into this, all I knew was a good friend wanted me to review and publicize this album. I’m more into punk, hardcore, and things of that sort so stepping into this area is taking a big leap for me. I have to say, I’m glad I did and I’m quite impressed with this album!

Skyler has a southern feel with a nice little pop-touch to it that is catchy and makes me want to bop my head along. Even possibly dance. From track to track on this EP, Skyler breaks onto the scene with an upbeat tempo and cute lyrics that will make any girl swoon. But it isn’t just the lyrics or the beat that caught my eye on this album. Skyler’s vocals are what instantly drew me in. He has that country twang I have a special place in my heart for and I love the range he shows on this album. The guitars show talent left and right, which is highly lacking in this genre, and I love the drumming. It’s not overshadowing like some tend to be on their first EPs and I can fully appreciate that! But he doesn’t use only conventional instruments. For an EP, that alone is shocking to hear. He has things like violins and even hints of bells/triangles in the background of the track Stephinie.

However what I think I love most about Skyler is the fact that while he still has his experimental factors, he stays true to his roots and you can hear where those are from. With talks of love, dreams, and everything in between Skyler is just the right formula to get anyone addicted, whether you’re a fan of this genre or not. I would HIGHLY recommend this album to anyone. It’s a good one to have in your collection.

FOR FANS OF: Nevershoutnever, Carter Hulsey, Rascal Flatts

LINK: http://allmyfriendsareinbands.tumblr.com/post/1040714293/artist-skyler-album-skyler-ep-rating-4-5-let

By:  Jared Monetti
Acoustically driven and pop-sensible, Long Gone as a whole listens exactly as it should:  music made by a young pop musician for young pop listeners. Notable here is Skyler’s arguably new approach to the classic EP framework as he attempts to introduce a new instrumental or vocal element in nearly every ascending track thus making the EP, in this case, misleadingly dynamic.

Although gifted in vocal melody and dripping with potential, Skyler still appears to struggle finding his go-to instrumental approach and especially his voice in a studio setting on Long Gone.  Starting from the intro track, “Hold My Hand,” Skyler’s sound takes on a pop/punk element comparable to former “Cute is What We Aim For” guitarist David Melillo.  Conversely, as you dig further into the EP he continues to seem more comfortable with his voice as he shines late in the EP on “Any Stupid Thing,”finding a delivery which seems to works best for him.  Unfortunately, the track’s effective delivery is negated by other tracks on the EP which are laden with sounds that feel more uncouth than clever when it comes to instrumental placement.  This includes but is not limited to the introduction of the unexpected violin during “Stephanie,” and the exaggerated  guitar solo in the EP’s closing track “It’s Just the Night” which showcases nothing short of a Bon Jovi style pinch harmonic.

Possibly premeditated, Skyler’s ‘amalgamation approach’ to showcasing his songs feels more like a testament to his evident inexperience in the studio rather than a stealthy move to draw attention to his inherent versatility as a musician.   Regardless of his inexperience and near misses on Long Gone, Skyler undoubtedly has raw talent that has simply yet to be honed.  From a young pop/rock listener’s standpoint, there might be something here for you.  For the older listener, the expectation of a consummation of Skyler’s talents making on to his next record in a form more appealing to you wouldn’t be completely far off.

Rating: 5/10
Release Date: Summer 2010
Record Label: Unsigned (Self-Released via “SkyHi Records”)
Recommended Track: “Any Stupid Thing”
For Fans of: Dave Melillo, Semisonic

LINK: http://thesoundalarm.com/?p=4403