When THE OHIO SKY landed on my desk for a review, I smiled because I am a native of
Cleveland
Ohio, the home of The Buzzard (Cleveland Rock Radio).
The first problem with naming a band after the state you live in is that unless you are from that state, others may falsely perceive you as just another local band. But then again monster bands like Chicago and Boston were named after cities so I guess you can name your rock band after the state of Ohio which is after all home to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
The band admits that the
Cleveland area was once known as the’ mistake by the lake’ and they are out to start major waves. The question is this:
Is THE OHIO SKY the next major rock band to come out of
Ohio as the band claims in their biography?
My answer is that they have set down some strong roots with producer L
ogan Mader (soulfly, machinehead)
and if this band continues to grow in that direction ‘The Ohio Sky’ will spill into a national sky with no problem.
In December 2006
‘The Ohio Sky’
record
ed their two best songs
with the DIRTY ICON production team made up of Logan Mader (machinehead, soulfly) and Lucas Baker (Junkie XL).
The two songs are Get Away and Vanish – These songs are what the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame is all about.
In ‘Get Away’ the verses build perfectly into the chorus which, by the way, is as universal and as catchy as a rock chorus can get.
In my opinion – ‘Get Away’ is their ‘Break Away’ song - It's a hit.
From “The Get Away”
don't wanna let you down
so run away
i don't wanna hear the sound
of a heart about to break
Kudos to vocalist Rob who delivers in every song.
This band is elevated by the vocals and given the basic skills of the guitar, drums and bass composition – a strong vocalist is the only fit for this band.
This band is not out to show you their instrumental virtuosity – instead they have a cohesive and blended sound that is tight and driving, written to get you off your feet. The band calls it honest rock and roll and that is exactly what it is. For my personal taste, I would add a little more melodic lead guitar and some vocal harmonies as well to really give the already superior hooks an extra punch.
My second favorite song was VANISH.
Again, just check out these lyrics:
VANISH
vanish from my eyes
because you kill me sweetly
vanish from my eyes
you drain me so completely
now
This is not a song that will ‘vanish’ any time soon. Once again, the lyrics are spot on and the song delivers from beginning to end.
Is the band ready to open the Ohio Sky?
In my opinion, with songs like Vanish and Get Away – the sky is the limit!
