Many have hotly tipped Skyride for great things in 2001. This, their 2 track demo CD offers a small sample of what they as a band, have to offer.

The first number could almost be described as two, entitled Superman Pt I and II, it’s a longen to say the least! Quite atmospheric in its set-up, with ethereal guitar work, tittering piano meanderings and almost computerised backing vocals. The verses convey this eerie and distant approach that erupt into life during the chorus. Gradually the song begins to increase in ambience and stature and at points it borders on the impressive. This track changes in tempo and musical setting throughout adding interest and a certain sinister not to mention ambiguous feel. The song can be easily broken down into it’s two parts with part II presenting the listener with a calmer more flowing sound, contrasting to the uneasiness of the first half. With some selective editing and a bit of further enhancement this song could materialise into something quite impressive, the bare bones are there to be built upon.

‘Something Else’ is softer in set-up with a gentle network of guitars producing a light and airy feel that is built upon with the inclusion of the vocals. The verses still present this uneasy feel, which is remedied with the vocally powerful chorus. The remainder of the song ambles along at an admirable pace; one impressive feature throughout has to be the expression articulated in the vocals that act as the striking and collaborative feature throughout. The only real let down would be the ending which sits coldly on musical ears, leaving you with this feeling of haziness and a sense that the ending was just rushed. The closing moments just fail to pull together what has previously been submitted.

But despite all of this, it sadly just doesn’t hit the highest mark; instead it just drifts in a sea of mediocrity. But on a brighter note, sift through the abundance of merely average features and you can just begin to scratch the surface of ‘potential’ so here’s hoping. I don’t want music that merely scratches MY surface, instead I want something that will tear open my chest and forcefully grab my heart. Ok so maybe I expect too much who knows!

And as much as I attempt the arduous task of avoiding comparisons I do, in a word- fail. There are comparisons here to be made. While others may refer to such influences and styles of Muse, and yes even though this does seem to be a fair assumption not to mention predominant sound throughout, personally to me, the vocals echo more say Martin Rossiter than Matt Bellamy. Having stated that though the backing vocals in particular seem to be taken straight from the Matt Bellamy School of music production!

In reflection for a demo it’s not bad, there are certain points, positive elements and more than just a slight inkling of potential that if built upon could produce more than average results, but as it stands there’s just that little certain something missing.