Artist: Orange Sky
Title: “Upstairs”
Label: Granite Records
Release Date: 9/27/2005
Genre: Ethnic/Hard Rock
Rating: 7.5/10

The Orange Sky is definitely one of the more unique groups to come across my listeners queue in a long time. I can honestly say that I come to this conclusion based on the methods in which they deliver their music to the listener. Bands that blend elements of their home countries traditional melodies with their Rock are no longer strange to those who have been exposed to the Folks Metal/Rock stylings of Finntroll or Korpiklaani but when it came to the Orange Sky there was yet another avenue of approach. The band who hails from Trinidad and Tobago have taken a largely Caribbean feel and tapered it rich guitar melodies and vocal harmonies. The result is quite the tasty brand of Rock and Roll. Overall the record is very accessible and the songs have moments when they truly Rock and other times when there is a subtlety that works for the particular track. Tracks that rock from start to finish are evident in “Escape” which is a quick paced number that you will find yourself tapping and playing a little air guitar along to. “Tug Of War” is perhaps the heaviest of the songs and runs a nice rhythm pattern at the main verses. “Alone” is an interesting track which breaks into an almost Bare-Naked Ladies segment which works and also comes across perfectly in the live sense. These songs and “Beautiful Day” seemed to be my most favored of the record and like anything else you need to give this album more than a cursory listen because after your first take you might not catch it. As your second listen begins the band wins you over. Cat Stevens classic “Peace Train” gets a pretty straightforward cover on the record and I found it to be pretty good as well. The band is made up of Nigel Rojas (vocals, guitar), Nicholas Rojas (bass), Adam Murray (rhythm guitar), Obasi Springer (drums), and Richard Hall (keyboard) and together this quintet brings something a little different to the mix.

The band includes a DVD sampler of their “Live In Trinidad” concert film and from this you can see that the band delivers in performance. The lyrics are presented on a full color fold out booklet and as you read them you will find them well-thought out and positive. This is a recommendation for those who like a little change of pace in their Rock and who are also open enough to realize that the playing board is expanding more and more each day.

Track Listing:
1. It’s Over
2. Escape
3. Beautiful Day
4. Alone
5. Angels
6. Dogs
7. Peace Train
8. Cast Away
9. Real Love
10. Tug Of War
11. Alive
12. Falling

Official Web site: www.TheOrangeSky.com