Joey Sykes “Human, Being Human”
I remember Joey Sykes played guitar with Elektra label artists Coward in 1996 and he had help back then from Roger Manning, Jr. (Jellyfish). Since that time he’s played for Meredith Brooks (“I’m A Bitch”),Tommy Henriksen and has been a busy session man for many years. Well, Joey’s come back to familiar territory with his solo album, and once again Manning is lending a hand here. Similar to Matthew Sweet or Butch Walker, Joey’s sound is a radio friendly guitar melody with layered rhythms. “Loveless Crowd” is a solid opener that proves his talent is ageless. The heavy production sound almost approaches arena rock, but remains very accessible on the title track and the standout “Where Did Everyone Go?” is a nod to his Coward years. And this being a more mature artist, you get plenty of solid power ballads like “I Love The Love We’re In” and “This Is My Battlecry.” No filler here as the tracks stay true to the melodic rock milieu. Another standout “It’s Good To Be Alive” should be required listening for every discouraged soul out there. It ends out with an Eagles cover “Try And Love Again” which fits the albums theme perfectly.
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Vitamin-D “Bridge”
This album is a little different, but it’s melodic goodness will surprise many. Brooklynite Dennis Cronin is the trumpet wielding composer who is blessed with a gift for mixing jazz and classical elements with his pop songs. Opening with “Keeper” it marries bits of Beatles and Bacharach, so fans of Eric Matthews should take notice. Cronin’s subtle melodies are just delightful on “Bartlett Bridge.” The slowly building “Upstaged” draws you in and has you toe tapping by the first chorus. Vocally he’s closer to Peter Gabriel or Lawrence Arabia without any falsetto. “Astoria Bridge” is another standout that combines a punchy beat with horn florishes. Many of compositions are meticulously constructed, making this a definite “headphones” album with soothing instrumentals (“Trumpet Moment 2,”) but after the albums midpoint the tempo slows to crawl and you may drift off to sleep. Beautiful orchestral pop that’s a bridge to a “Solid Day.”