It was partly the name of this band that drew me to them like a butterfly to a flame. There is danger in it and if you had seen the1982 film the group probably take their name from you would know why, as it is one of the biggest head-fucks in cinematic history (and coming from me that is saying something). It is a movie about tiny invisible aliens coming to earth in search of human pheromones created during orgasm and acting as a kind of heroin. To say it is odd doesn’t even really touch the surface.
Thankfully the group and album are much more straightforward. Describing themselves as “Britain’s best kept metal secret” is no idle boast and these five guys and lady singer are possibly not a group you would have encountered before. They have released 3 EP’s but this is their debut album. They also have played Bloodstock 2004 and have won supports with the likes of Xandria, Skyclad, Skindred and Octavia who I am very much looking forward to catching them with tonight.
On first listen, this pretty much went over my head but now with plenty more plays under its belt I can only think that I must have been practically asleep, as this is very much an album with an identity (see what I did there) and is as infectious as errr alien heroin.
Easing in with an intro ‘Tranquillity Base’ and samples from the moon landing we boom straight into the dark side with ‘Titan’ a bombastic, orchestral affair with hefty guitars and a real symphonic zeal. Then we are introduced to singer Hecate’s lead vocals and boy are they strong, playing with you like a cat with a mouse, leading up to pounce in the chorus. She has a great range and depth of emotion and one that works as you cannot easily identify it as sounding like any of the other countless female singers out there at the moment.
Although vocally completely significant, this is not the only thing about Liquid Sky that makes them winners. It is the incredibly strong songs, great musicianship and the memorable quality of so many tracks on this album that does it for me. Take the plink-plonk keyboard weave of ‘Dreamstate’ for example, once you have heard this it’s impossible to ignore and really draws you into the song. In a way this reminds musically a bit of Flowing Tears which is no bad thing at all.
‘Echo’ downs the tools a bit and is more of a ballad. You can imagine the lighters coming out but the strength of the vocals will blow them straight out, there is power and emotions by the bucket here. Low backing growls join in on ‘Stitches’ it sounds like they are coming out the ether, restrained and kept at bay and add a certain amount of menace to the track. The guitar playing on this number is really progressive and again very impressive, adding to the complexity of the number. A Carmina Burana whiplash pervades ‘Love Labours Lost’ Hecate simply sings her heart out and there is absolutely no need in resorting to over-the-top soprano operatic vocals here, her natural voice and the burgeoning orchestration work perfectly together.
This is one of those albums that has so many damn good songs on it is impossible to chose a favourite. The second you think you have one the next track has you partially changing your mind. ‘Watch The Ocean’ with its shimmering synth lines sends shivers down the spine, then there is ‘Ghost In The Shell’ with it’s really sassy vocals and the heartfelt loving caress of closer ‘Dawn’s Pale Light.
So, Britain’s best kept metal secret? Well hopefully not for long as after this the Liquid Skies the limit and this lot deserve to go all the way to the top. ‘Identity’ strikes me as a very special album so check them out and spread the word.
www.myspace.com/liquidskymetal
