Maybe it’s because the sun is shining, but listening to this 12-tracker really does make the world seem a better place. Skylar are a relaxed, reggae-tinged new band of former Howards Alias frontman Matthew Reynolds and this new record, re-mixed for release on Do The Dog Records, goes to show just how talented he is. With as strong and indentifiable a voice as any UK artist, this self-titled record is brimmed with singalong anthems-in-waiting.
While the production is slightly scratchy, it doesn’t detract at all from the quality of this recording and the record in general. In fact, I;d go as far as saying it’s improved even more, adding to its laid back feel. ‘Eyes Don’t Lie’ and ‘Don’t Tread so Fast’ are excellent, while ‘These Lights‘ will be familiar to anyone who bought last year’s Punktastic Un-Scene 2. Backed up with a cast of quality musicians, this is one of the first great records of the summer.
www.myspace.com/skylar
Do The Dog
paul