Album Review: Skyharbor - Sunshine Dust

This Indian/American progressive heavy band has produced two superb previous albums and has immeasurable songwriting and playing talent within its ranks. We know they are capable of greatness, so why does Sunshine Dust fall a little short?

It’s a question that is rather difficult to answer. All the elements seem present; the playing is strong, the production is sound, the mood and the vocals are exuberant and the songs well-written (Ethos is one of the best tracks they’ve done). There is sound variation, ebb and flow and light and shade across the course of the 13 tracks on offer here. Why then does this record not seem to hit the heights it should? It’s baffling.

Does it have something to do with the change of singer? There’s certainly nothing wrong with new frontman Eric Emery’s voice and delivery. He is obviously a gifted vocal technician, it’s just that when you follow on from Daniel Tompkins, who possesses one of heavy music’s purest voices, you’ve always got extremely large shoes to fill. They have also had a change of drummer since the last record, and Anup Sastry’s absence leaves a gaping hole (no disrespect intended to the new guy, Aditya Ashok, who does an admirable job).

This is only part of the puzzle though. Whatever it is that is lacking is indefinable, just a feeling that repeated listens can’t seem to shake.

Sunshine Dust is a solid album. There’s plenty to enjoy here. Maybe as the new members solidify and find their feet and confidence in the line-up they will return to the soaring heights of which we know they’re capable.