VERMILLION SKYE: Zebra Mentality (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

The Act 1 band was formed in Canada in 1984. With at the time by singer Bill Reill, pianist Jeff Johnston and drummer Steve Gerlewych, the trio was joined by bassist Chris Robertson... twelve years later! In 1996, Act 1 changed its name to Vermillion Skye. Since then, the Toronto natives continued their way on peacefully, experiencing only one line-up change with the departure of their guitarist, who gave way to Pete Swann. In the fall of 2018, the quartet released their sixth album, "Zebra Mentality".

What can we expect from this mysterious group, about which we can find almost no information on the web, despite its longevity? If the Canadian band defines itself as belonging to the art of rock, it seems however quite delicate to define its style. Indeed, "Zebra Mentality" is somewhere between progressive rock, a complex genre, with its changes of structure, and pop with its more catchy and immediate songs. In any case, the ensemble remains very accessible for the listener who wouldn't be attracted by the progressive movement.

The eponymous song 'Zebra Mentality' has everything of a catchy single. Positioned first in the album, the title seduces from the very first listen with its catchy melody and vocal harmonies. In the same vein, 'Ain't That Just Like A Girl' is reminiscent of the Beatles, with its well-chosen chorus and pop side. At the antipodes of these atmospheres, we find the unexpected UFO 'The 7/4 Blues' which, as its name indicates, is a traditional blues song in 7/4 and which brings a wind of freshness and dynamism thanks to its very rock'n'roll guitar solo.

The flagship track of the record is certainly 'Tottenham'. The longest track on the album at the top of its eight minutes whose the first few seconds are a real nod to Spock's Beard's 'Edge Of The In-Between' on the 'X' album, is sure to captivate the listener right from the start. The rest of the song is also reminiscent of Spock's Beard's beloved sounds, as evidenced by the verses that might appear on their latest album, the more pop "Noise Floor", and the keyboard solo at the heart of the song.

"Zebra Mentality" is an album to recommend to fans of varied music, drawing its influences from several styles such as pop, blues, progressive rock ... So many diverse ingredients likely to reach a wide audience. In any case, that's all we can wish to Vermillion Skye at the beginning of 2019! - Official website

VERMILLION SKYE

ZEBRA MENTALITY

AUTOPRODUCTION

PROGRESSIVE ROCK