CD Review  

Crimson Sky
 "Only Love EP"

 

Rating 90%

reviewed by Charlie O'

 Crimson Sky are a new band from the cider drinking capital of the world, the South west of England, featuring Martin Leamon on guitars, Nancy Jackson on vocals, Sam Turner on keyboards, Clive Lambert on bass and Paul Cubie on drums.

The four tracks on this EP form part of the bands longer epic Misunderstand Suite, which they will be working on later in the year.

Only Love opens the EP, and is an uptempo rocker, starting with some fierce guitar work by Martin before The beautiful Nancy comes in, giving the song a late period All About Eve feel. I feel that I need to point out that
vocalist Nancy is big in the Bristol area, thanks to her yachting achievements and her radio work. She has a fine set of lungs on her giving her a wonderful and rich voice.

The second track, the slower I Do Not Count The Time, was featured on our Podcast #3 way back in February. This is a rerecorded version and benefits from the extra work put in, and more guitars too!

Somewhere also brings All About Eve back to mind again, in places, along with a touch of The Cranberries, but without Dolores' characteristic singing style (now copied by Colombian princess Shakira).

The final track Misunderstood II is probably the standout track on this EP. Opening with some classic prog synth sounds, and guitar, underpinning Nancy's vocal parts, the band get to rock out towards the end, to close the EP in style.

Overall, I reckon that this is a great debut for the band. I know that the guitarist Martin has done all the studio work for this on a zero budget, and did a fairly good job too. However, with some decent money chucked their way, and access to a proper studio, their first full album featuring the full Misunderstanding Suite could be an album that is well worth waiting for!

Check out the band on their website at www.mleamon.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk or on their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/crimsonskybristol 


It's a big "thumbs up" from
this young prog kid!