An Invigorating Listen
Beginning the EP with a dramatic piano flourish, 'Splitlips' moves into an aggressive mixture of looming guitars and a barrage of vocals that seem to come at you from all angles, it has the vague lucidity of a prog record, but a far heavier rock sound than most groups fitting into that category. There's an aching metallic anger about the vocals that, when married to the grinding guitars, also gives a hint of emotive rock. 'Trancing' continues in the same vein with rapturous driven guitars and yelping vocals getting caught in your head, while a couple of blazing guitar solos break free and take on a life of their own.
'Smiles' offers a new, tense feel with tender vocals that ebb and flow with feeling and guitars with a wild streak that aren't afraid to rip loose. The wonderful thing about Blue Sky Project's music is the way that the instruments tune in and out as they please, giving a real sense of anticipation to the listener, 'Smiles' is no different as emotive instrumental sections leave you hanging before the vocals and melody return. 'Refresh' features an angry rush of spoken word vocals that really tug on your ears, something that is necessary to stop you being swept away by a torrent of raging guitars.
While they have an interesting style that can't fail to make you sit up and listen, Blue Sky Project's 'Fenestrae' EP does feel a little like it's merely taking another slant on many current favourites' sound, with powerful rock emerging from contemplative sections to smash you in the face.