Chamberlin isn't able to play drums like it's 1995 (as he told this reviewer last Monday) but you'd be hard-pressed to convince listeners otherwise on album highlight "Capsized Jacknifed Crisis." His ridiculously fast but smooth stick work, and the pop rock behind this well-produced piece of work are pleasurable to listen to every time.
It's tracks like that one and "Serrated," with bright-lighted guitar chords and riffs carried by a bouncy beat that exemplify why Skysaw fit well as the opening act to Dangerbird Records labelmates Minus The Bear on a recent, short tour in a few southern states. Chamberlin told me himself that he knew that what Skysaw was doing with these songs would go over well with Minus The Bear fans, and by the end of its shows, those fans often went from not feeling it at the start of a Skysaw set to cheering loudly by show's end.
By the time you get through these 10 tracks, if you're like this writer, you'll appreciate and dig Chamberlin's new direction more than you thought you would and will definitely want to hear a follow-up to Great Civilizations, one of the more impressive debut records of 2011.
For upcoming tour dates and more info on the band, go to Skysaw's official site. From there, be sure to keep up with the band on its Twitter and Facebook pages.
Great Civilizations is in stores as of today via Dangerbird Records.
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