Nine Skies

5.20

FTF, 2022

8/10

Listen to 5.20

An esteemed French rock band who are no strangers to rock, pop, progressive and jazz sounds, Nine Skies return with a special edition of their 2021 album, 5.20, where 5 bonus tracks, a DVD and a 12 page booklet make for a very thorough package.

“Colourblind” starts the listen with spirited guitar, as a dreamy climate unfolds with poetic singing, and “Wilderness” follows with contributions from Steve Hackett that help the tune unfold with swirling melodies amid the soulful backing vocals.

Elsewhere, “Above The Tide” emits graceful piano and sophisticated strings with strong attention to mood, while “The Old Man In The Snow” recruits John Hackett for the acoustic guitar fueled and expressive album highlight.

Close to the end, “Porcelain Hill” brings in Damian Wilson for an intimate display of piano balladry that’s quite cinematic, and “Smiling Stars” exits the listen with mesmerizing keys and stirring singing to finish the listen with much beauty.

The bonus tracks illustrate different avenues of the band’s talent, with orchestral versions from their catalog, and the documentary DVD and livestream selections give us further insight into the outfit’s vision.

A very unique listen that balances calm moments as well as busier textures of charming prog-rock, I have a feeling that Nine Skies are revered in their home country, and this expanded edition should certainly garner them many new fans around the globe.

Travels well with: Solace Supplice- Liturgies Contemporaines; XCIII- Void