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The opening of the Band of Skulls’ second studio album, Sweet Sour, is as much of a commanding introduction as it is a statement to the listener. The first sound that is heard is nearly like a shockwave that is sent out as a preliminary warning sign just before the drums and guitar enter in epic fashion. This identifies the seriousness and focus of Sweet Sour and that idea is completely carried forth as the record progresses.
What’s fascinating about the Band of Skulls is their cohesiveness as a trio on many levels. There is a strong connection between bassist-singer Emma Richardson and drummer Matt Hayward on instrumental rhythmic side, though simultaneously a deep emotional connection exists between the vocals that guitarist-singer Russell Marsden and Richardson reach within the lyrical component of the music. When layered in split harmonies, and throughout shared verses, the dual vocal presence defines the dark edge of their sound to a much greater extent; it’s nearly like two opposite personalities fused together. So tight knit, the blend creates a two-tone mentality to support the lyrics while covering a wide range of sound. “Wanderluster” is a piece that gets a head start on the listener and forces you to over think the intended path and direction of the music, much due to the creative use of a 7/4 time signature. This effect solidifies the chemistry of the band and their involved high driven sound more effectively.
“Lay My Head Down” is the first moment on the record where the Band of Skulls allow you to catch your breath as the aggressive emotion is toned down to a transparent mist. The sound recedes into a more open feeling as the duo of Richardson and Marsden pose the question “Was I asleep? Did you save me from disaster?” The same line of thought is brought out in “Navigate,” though covered with a darker residue. From the beginning there is a characteristic of something materializing into a larger force as momentum builds, almost like a tidal shift pulling you down. The closing portion of the track seems to allow a glimpse of sunlight in for a small instant, before quickly residing to the inevitability and sense of falling that the track represents.
There is a raw feeling beneath the music that creates a subtle layer of mysteriousness, though these sounds become more distinct beyond the first listen. “Lies are the truths that you tell to yourself,” sing Marsden and Richardson together surrounded by whispers on “Lies” as the track injects an unrestraint that tightly seals up the fierceness they present. But it passes by just as quickly as you are launched into it. There is a flow to Sweet Sour that patterns that of the Band of Skulls’ 2009 debut, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, but it’s that similar element that displays the versatility of their sound and the complexity of their writing.
