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Skyfire Puzzle - Demo CD

18 February 2009 3 Comments

skyfirepuzzleSkyfire Puzzle - Demo CD (Self Released)

by Brian Fannin (What’s Up Magazine - February 2009)

They say first impressions mean everything. And this 4-song demo by The Skyfire Puzzle is a firm yet lively handshake. It’s fun, energetic music in the style of alternative pop-rock with bits of The Killers, early Flickerstick, Depeche Mode, and The Cure.

The first thing you notice about this demo is the recording quality, an excellent mix with clarity and punch. Singer Issac’s bright tenor voice goes well with the music. He works the bridge of his voice moving from higher notes to his chest voice with what seems to be little effort. Josh’s use - but not over-use - of guitar effects and a spanky tone keep the songs interesting and lively. Kevin’s percussive talent is exactly what these songs need. It’s never really the focus, but clearly the driving force to changes and energy. My favorite example of this was at the end of “You’re Right.” The drum roll came at us from a distance like a Semi, finally meeting in an explosion of the last chorus.

This particular copy of the CD had a flaw in the media that prevented listening to anything after 4:33 of the mellow ballad “Carolina.” The keys at the beginning of “Suffocation” seemed a bit off time. And while Issac is very good at his head voice, a little more depth from his chest voice would be a welcome addition.
Overall this demo is a pleasure to listen to. Regardless of what style of music you gravitate toward, this demo easily keeps you in its orbit.

Check out their MySpace

3 Comments »

  • Topics about Music » Skyfire Puzzle - Demo CD said:

    [...] Bell-Tone Records - Bellingham Music Shop amp; Review Blog put an intriguing blog post on Skyfire Puzzle - Demo CDHere’s a quick excerpt Skyfire Puzzle - Demo CD (Self Released) by Brian Fannin (What’s Up Magazine - February 2009) They say first impressions mean everything. And this 4-song demo by The Skyfire Puzzle is a firm yet lively handshake. It’s fun, energetic music in the style of alternative pop-rock with bits of The Killers, early Flickerstick, Depeche Mode, and The Cure. The first thing you notice about this demo is the recording quality, an excellent mix with clarity and punch. Singer Issac’s bright tenor voice go [...]

    # 18 February 2009 at 5:12 pm
  • Jeff said:

    The Skyfire Puzzle is sooo good!
    I saw them live and they are so awesome!

    You can listen to their songs on their myspace (www.myspace.com/theskyfirepuzzle)

    I think that they are definitely a new Bellingham band to watch.

    # 23 February 2009 at 1:56 pm
  • admin (author) said:

    I agree - my review of their demo CD will be up in the next day or two. The local scene is really happening right now - I will post a top 5 soon, but briefly I’d say the bands that are really happening at the moment, and have a chance to move beyond the local scene this year, include Sugar Sugar Sugar, Love Lights, Yogoman Burning Band, and Skyfire Puzzle.

    # 23 February 2009 at 2:08 pm

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