Rebellion - Skylights
By Daffs aka @TwoDaff
Riotous rock n rollers Skylights release their fierce new single ‘REBELLION’ on Friday 3rd March via 42’s Records.
Firstly, in case you are unaware of the band, here’s a brief intro…
I have been a keen follower since I received a demo CD of their self-funded debut single YRA. From York they consist of band members Rob Scarisbrick (Vocals), Turnbull Smith (Guitar), Jonny Scarisbrick (Bass) and Myles Soley (Drums). They draw their influences from a variety of bands notably The Music, Shed Seven and the Bridewell Taxis along with North Western bands such as The Courteeners, Oasis and The Verve.
Originally friends from rival schools, they met playing football, they all had a love for indie bands and decided to give it a go themselves “Aiming to impress a few girls and have a good time” according to Turnbull. Brought up on bands playing at the famous Town and Country club in Leeds added to their influences and inspiration. It was here they fell in love with Leeds, which has become their adopted home. Their dream was always to play in Leeds.
They Started out playing small gigs, with mates supporting them to playing at The Brudenell social club, things snowballed for them, they paid £400 to hire the Belgrave music hall, then it was the Wardrobe, and the First Direct Arena for the Olympics to the sold out 1000 capacity University Stylus – a homecoming.
The band are humble and are appreciative of the support they have built up over the years, interacting via social media and privately, even giving the odd guitar lesson – Cheers Turn. They have appeared on Sky sports Soccer Am for live performances and interviews and have been adopted by not only Leeds United supporters but by fans all over the country, they are big favourites in Aberdeen especially after the release of ‘Outlaw’.
And so, to 2022, they released their debut album ‘What You Are’ on 6th May 2022 with 42’s Records and reached #34 in the album charts along with entries in numerous other charts. They have an impressive number of previous releases, all receiving accolades from many sources, from the riotous 'Enemies' to the beautiful , 'Nothing left to say' and 'Darkness Falls' to name but a few, further proof that in this day and age of streaming/downloading etc that they have got something special.
2023 has already seen the band play sold-out shows in new cities, with more ahead of them, and a deeply loyal and engaged audience waiting for their next move. Every live show is a huge celebration for their fast growing, loyal and passionate fanbase. Truly a band of the people’, Skylights bond with their supporters is admired and envied by many more established artists.
Rebellion signals the start of a new wave of releases from the band, which will lead to their 2nd album, due in 2024. It will be followed in early summer by another new song in a completely different and more reflective style. Inspired by front man Scaz’s love of punk rock attitude and the Sex Pistols, the song conveys the thoughts and experiences of many cocksure young men during global and UK events since early 2020, without being overtly political it follows on in the same vein as the fans favourite ‘Outlaw’.
According to frontman Scaz
“It’s a good old-fashioned punk/rock song with a bit of menace and bite, sticking two fingers up to the powers that be - in the nicest possible way.”
Unmistakable static charged guitar
An instant hit of Turnbull Smiths unmistakable static charged guitar opens the track, a melodic, edgy riff that sets the scene, then bang, it erupts in an explosion of riotous drums and high energy rhythm. Its punk in a modern indie setting and blends perfectly, its 100% Skylights and this is what the fans come back for…adrenaline infused blistering rock n roll.
The lyrics are totally relatable, we were all there, locked away, reflecting on what we should be doing, great lines like “These are the days that we'll never get back now, Police on the street cos the city's in lockdown” so true.
Adrenaline infused blistering rock n roll
Scaz’s vocal is as usual on the money, it has all the punch and swagger of Gallagher (hints of Beady Eye more than Oasis) coupled with a snarl of aggression that fits with the feeling of the song and of course of the time in question.
A pure lockdown anthem
It’s a brutally honest reflection of the times, honed to perfection in 3 minutes of intense, rock n roll. The guitars are scintillating, soaring and drive the track, the drums are thunderous. Rebellion has a fierceness, it’s a pure lockdown anthem when we all felt rebellious, no politics just saying how it was…and still is to some extent. Skylights are a band that are in total symbiotic unison, each member feeding off the other to create tracks that are honest, relatable and above all else bloody good.
In total symbiotic unison
Skylights have their own unique sound, a blend of anthemic, guitar infused indie rock with notable punk undertones. Every song is steeped with emotion, passion and undeniable energy. They always leave you wanting more, I still have yet to see these live, this track is sure to blow the roof off and rightly so.
SKYLIGHTS are now adding significant festival slots to the diary, including TRNSMT in July – appearances hard earned from ‘walking the walk’ through their sell out shows, strong work ethic, integrity, and constant engagement with fans.
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