A Beautiful Masterpice of Modern Rock!
Mikeherenow | 04/29/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After thoroughly enjoying Syndestructible, The Syn's 2005 release, I didn't hesitate to purchase a special pre-order package of Big Sky, which included an advance online download. So, I have been able to listen to Big Sky for almost a month now.
Despite our positive predisposition towards this latest offering from the Syn, both my wife and I were shocked by what a powerful and beautiful collection of songs are contained herein. I've come to view Big Sky as a concept album, the songs are so linked thematically: The Everyman or Everywoman, living in our modern world, with all of it's social fragmentation, misunderstanding, pressure and potential for isolation, and our civilization in danger from how we behave with each other and with our environment. However, the overall point of view is positive, as sung in Devils and Demons, "Well, I've got love right here in my heart/and I've got hope that won't fade away/and I've got faith that stands me apart/and I've got dreams to show me the way." But still, "It's a long, long way." And that's one of the many aspects that are so striking about Big Sky, lyrically it's so unflinchingly honest about the human condition, yet it comes strongly across as a warm and upbeat album. I really appreciated a comment I read from Francis Dunnery regarding these songs: "It's an album of the times, and I think what the Germans call zeitgeist ... it means a spirit of the times. There's no English equivalent of that, but that's what the Germans meant. It meant a spirit of the times. And I think this album carries the spirit of the times because we're all looking for some hope, and faith in the goodness of life after being destroyed for so long after the last, you know, so many years."
Musically, it is has a different feel from their previous release. Big Sky is overwhelmingly an acoustic guitar-driven album and that fits these songs perfectly. Some tracks are rocking, such as Universal Witness (with it's irresistible call and response lyrics) and Running Out Of Time. Other songs have a more pastoral view such as the gorgeously moving title track, Milo, a song that will move anyone who's welcomed a newborn into the world, and Madonna And Child, a song about the shelter and safety of home and one's private world. I can't really make comparisons, a smidge of Beatles here, a small reminder of CSN or Neil Young there, but Big Sky and The Syn really have their own identity. Steve Nardelli's singing is warmer, more confident and emotive than ever. Francis Dunnery's playing, harmony vocals and production work adds a wonderful richness to the tracks. Tom Brislin's keyboard work is varied and nuanced, just perfect. And there is a new female voice that I've fallen in love with! It belongs to Dorie Jackson. At points I get chills from her contributions here.
I'm not a big writer, so I'm not inclined to write reviews, but I just had to speak up for Big Sky. This is a musical work that deserves to be heard. Hopefully it will receive airplay on XM/Sirius and beyond at some point soon and reach its deserved audience. The band is also currently touring the U.S. I plan to see at least one show. Highly recommended. I hope it touches your heart and mind as it has my wife's and mine."
Great Album/Great Live Show
Charles F. Buchler | Turnersville, NJ USA | 05/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently saw Syn 5/1/2009 At Rosfest.They played and sounded great.I would put this on a must buy list."
Great Album
Robert J. Joos Jr. | Philadelphia, Pa. | 05/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If Steve, Francis and Tom can keep their act together, then The new line up of the SYN has a future. I'd very much like to see a future album from these guys. You can tell the difference in the song writing between Steve and Chris Squire as apposed to Steve and Francis Dunnery....but the music on Big Sky is really good...very refreshing. I recommend this album very much."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1