Sybilla's sound runs the gamut of rock and metal, fusing together apparently random elements from the melodic metal,
AOR and progrock spectrums.
You would think this would result in a bizarre, self conscious mess. And yes, there are times when it seems to be hurtling toward a major derailment, but the strength of the songwriting and the confident performances provide the centripetal force, keeping the whole thing on track. Even the purposely clichéd '
Bad Boys Rock' is an innovative, pulse quickenly tuneful spin on that whole eighties' gang vocals', hair metal stereotype.
The production, sharp, edgy, full of imaginative touches, microsecond bursts of white noise, movie soundtrack and fabulously fluid arrangements, drives the album along with relentless enthusiasm. It fast becomes infectious, pulling you onto the edge of your seat, gleefully anticipating the next track, next trick or next treat.
Highlights are many and equally deserving of album standout status, from the hammering, Poison-esque, radio friendly glam rock of '
Quick Fix', through the glittering pop of '
I'll Never Fall In Love Again', clearly a Freddy Mercury tribute, to the hooky, helter skelter melodic rock of '
Gimme More Rockin'.
Elsewhere, '
Black Rose' meanders through Progrock territory, eventually finding its way into the marvellously Van Hagarish hard rock of
'God TV'.
The band decelerate rapidly for the closing track '
The Invisible Sandglass Of Memories'. Clumsily titled perhaps, but shot through with fresh musical notions and elaborate arrangements, vividly recalling the golden, Bowie /
Queen era of glam rock, in the days before it ran out of ideas and direction.
A wide range of musical styles enjoy the shelter of the melodic rock & metal umbrella. However, few bands risk mixing these styles quite as freely and adventurously as Sybilla.
Once again, the reactionaries will whinge while the open minded lap up every moment.
Written by
Brian Monday, April 2, 2007
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