The Sky King
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
A Minneapolis outfit consisting of Eric Stainbrook, Laila Stainbrook, Pat Zampogna, Tony Zampogna and John Idso, The Sunny Era return with a 6th album of their timeless folk qualities that surround these 14 tracks.
“Soliloquy” starts the listen with moody keys, as a very dreamy landscape unfolds with crisp drums and wordless vocals, and “The Start And End We Know” follows with Eric and Laila’s cozy vocal harmonies complemented by Tony’s mesmerizing bass in the breezy climate.
Further on, the prog-rock nods of the title track flow in a thicker delivery, while “The World Over” benefits much from Idso’s fluid drumming via the universally enjoyable folk-rock template.
Deeper still, “The Second Lifetime” is quite intimate, where a darker spirit enters the reflective tone, and the aptly titled “The Ending” finishes with a charming jangle that spotlights the melodic rhythm section and well timed keys amid the soft, dual gender singing.
The band have evolved from a trio into a 5 piece since their inception almost 20 years ago, and it sure does make for a lush appeal that welcomes violin and pedal steel to a very accomplished effort.
Travels well with: Turn Turn Turn- New Rays From An Old Sun; The Lowest Pair- Horse Camp