Black Sky Research – One
Release Date: 27th November 2020
Label: Self-Released
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Genre: Alt-Rock
FFO: Mallory Knox, The 1975, Fightstar, The Mirror Trap.
Review By: Jonathon Hopper
Boasting the vocal talents of former Mallory Knox frontman Mikey Chapman, the debut release by Black Sky Research is certainly an intriguing and ambitious project.
A concept EP set over a single night of apocalypse, One opens with Light up the Sky, a slow-burner with a juddering piano-led refrain that explodes into life like a lit firework for the chorus. It’s a strong scene-setter and the EP’s high point in terms of energy, Chapman’s vocals switching seamlessly between smooth croon and full metal racket.
Midnight follows, an off-kilter drum beat giving way to a giant, soaring chorus before Twilight takes things down a notch. With a wistful dream–like quality like Pendulum blowing balls of cotton wool at the 1975, it’s very much on the poppy side of Black Sky Research’s repertoire, though thankfully given the title there isn’t a vampire or werewolf in sight.
Fourth song Transmit picks up the pace once more; an introspective, flighty verse and another bold, fat chorus before the narrative plays out through Dawn – an upbeat and (spoiler alert) hopeful conclusion. And one with clear stadia ambitions amid the choppy guitars.
As an amuse bouche of what could be to come it’s not bad. Five tight, honed songs that neatly showcase Chapman’s strong vocals and are likely to find favour with fans of his previous band. For a project of such ambition however, One lacks the bite to fully satisfy.
(3 / 5)
