Smashing Pumpkins’ Jimmy Chamberlin’s new project SkySaw, a quintet comprised of members from Arlington, VA and Chicago, are releasing their debut Great Civilizations on June 21 through Dangerbird Records. We had a chance to preview the album on Record Store Day, and here’s what we dug about it.
Overall, every track exudes edgy prog-rock brilliance with dashes of psychedelia, which is most apparent in the first single "No One Can Tell." Trippy guitars are paired with steady drums and lyrics "no one can tell that I’m not listening to what you’ve been saying" that make it the stand-out ‘agressive mellow’ track.
"Serrated" is an alternative take on the classic hippy sound, with melodic interludes interrupted by cool bursts of blaring vocals and gorgeous guitar solos. And the title track "Great Civilizations" is another harmonic riff driven tune that sets the standard for this well rounded modern alt. debut.
Other recommended tracks: "Sad Reasons" and "Nothing’s Over Easy." Watch the video for the first single "No One Can Tell" below, and catch them live at the Black Cat on July 1. $13 9 PM