TAKING THE STAGE: LIVE 1997-2005

SKY CRIES MARY are an insiders' tip when it comes to rock music coupled with the emphasis on a spacey atmosphere and exceptional vocals Trail Records already had masterfully produced the band's studio compilation 'Space Between The Drops' in 2009 ... so consequently they were also entrusted with the task to elaborate this new one. Cover art is carefully designed by Alexander Tsalikhin and Vlad Milyavsky again. New album does not mean new song material, to make it clear - here we have a collection of live settings, most of it already placed on their sold out double album 'Here & Now', so that points to recordings around 2004/2005 on different locations.

The first two tracks however were taken some years before in 1997 by Krist Novoselic(!). Taking The Stage represents a more straightforward rocking behaviour. The band featuring Ben Ireland (drums). Michael Cozzi (guitar), Juano (bass) and keyboardist Todd Robbins celebrate a short warm-up first, until the Romeros - attended by applause - finally enter the stage. The following Rain then is band typical, speaking of the implemented cosmic vibe, especially due to the gilmouresque guitar and interesting synthesizer gimmicks. Cornerman belongs to their top songs by all means, now additionally featuring William Bernhard and Jill Wangsgard, both are alternating on keyboards and guitar. This, when necessary, guarantees a really lush sound.

Don't Forget The Sky expresses extraordinary vocal presence. As for the main chorus Anisa cares for the lead voice with celestial sentiment where Roderick backs a bit restrained. In between the band jam a little. A brillant implementation which shows great spirit. I would also point out Want in the same breath. The trippy flow - soaring guitar, keyboard patterns sounding like strings respectively mellotron, wow ... and the Romeros are acting with great harmony again. While rocking the venue with much dynamic Elephant Song is leaving the common path a bit. Roderick undertakes the lead, his vocals are more of recitative though.

The Ant, The Stars, The Owl And Its Prey convinces with nicely interacting guitars and finally they add an interesting remake of The Mamas & The Papas song California Dreamin' as a bonus track - the sole studio outake and previously only digitally available via download. It all proceeds in an hallucinogenic ambience first and definitely takes some time to recognize this very popular melody.

The compositions are not of a complex respectively experimental nature mostly, so this may not challenge every die-hard prog music lover. SKY CRIES MARY are unique though in any case, those dual vocals at foremost, however the band's instrumental section alone is worth it at all events. Furthermore on 'Taking The Stage' you can listen to songs reworked with top-notch audio quality, so this overall is a real treat if you like dreamy rock songs presented by a technically skilled band - 3.5 stars.