WHITE SKIES – ‘BLACK TIDE’

(Pride & Joy Music)

Every now again I get blindsided by an album of the highest quality without expecting it, White Skies totally rocked me. Even though I was aware of the musicians who made up the band most of whom I’m already a massive fan of I was still unprepared for just what a high-quality album ‘Black Tide’ is. White Skies craft old school AOR and while you can hear nods to many famous genre bands, like REO Speedwagon, they have a quintessentially British sound.

Vocalist Mick White doesn’t have a stereotypical voice for this genre of music, which is synonymous with high pitched smooth voices. White has a gritter deeper tone, this doesn’t go against the album if anything it lifts it by adding something different and gives the band its own distinctive sound. I really like his vocal style it has an urgent feel to it making it very evocative and it really resonates with me.

Former Ya Ya guitarist Ray Callcut’s guitars are magnificent, giving a bit of power and crunch to proceedings adding plenty of energy to the rockier songs. He also blends his riffs seamlessly with the keyboards making for a beautiful atmosphere on many of the songs.

Pete Lakin’s keyboards are immense throughout the album never overpowering but always engrossing and captivating. I love his technical playing and he’s crafted loads of memorable moments; he always hooks me into his performances.

‘Emily’ is a stunningly memorable slice of AOR with an indelible chorus which showcases what this band are all about. ‘Two Worlds Collide’ is beautiful, emotive and heart-warmingly atmospheric and certainly one of my personal favourites. The uplifting ballad ‘Leave A Light On’ is very old school AOR – it could have featured on an early Eighties film soundtrack!

‘Black Tide’ is a fantastic album from start to finish and for me is certainly one of the best traditional AOR albums of the year. If you’re a genre fan its not just an album you need to check out it is an essential purchase. White Skies have an obvious love for the sound and style of AOR and it shines brightly in their song writing. These songs don’t feel manufactured to sell albums or gig tickets it’s all about crafting beautiful songs and it shows. Music is an art and this is an album I feel displays it as such, a collection of songs the musicians can be proud of but also admired by musical aficionados.

9/10

Essential Track - 'Emily'

Review by Woody