Ironside, Adam: The Sky Painter

Based on the short story by author Michael John Grist of the same name, The Sky Painter is the second album from multi-instrumentalist Adam Ironside, the music tutor and 'gear' expert releasing his debut, Cosmology, back in 2012. Other than two guest guitar solos, the whole album is Adam on his own; keyboards, guitar and programming all taken care of by the man himself. That strategy can often be seen as a risk, where a lack of outside perspective hinders the impact of the end result. However from the opening "Prelude" it's clear that while this instrumental and in places technically progressive album can be indulgent, it isn't just a vehicle for a show off. If you like virtuoso guitar work, then rest assured you will find that here, but thankfully it arrives as part of thought provoking, engaging song structures that allow you to fully engage with the music, rather than to simply marvel at the talent behind it.

That album opening however leaves little indication of what's to come, a symphonic, orchestral keyboard piece setting the scene in grand style. From "Telling Time" onwards the guitars are suddenly broken out – and in some style – galloping riffs and searing solos impressing hugely. That they never come at the expense of the song's core, or that they never sacrifice melody for widdle-dom is where Ironside really comes good. Guest solo on this track comes from Ross Oliver, while Dan Leggatt does likewise on "Dragonsky". Both are superb, but then Ironside himself isn't exactly a slouch in this department, a number of searing, dextrous forays displayed throughout.

Cleverly, to both set the scene and keep the story flowing, two short sections of narration help convey the emotion behind the music. Presumably it's Ironside's Northern English accent that can be heard adding just the right amount of passion and intrigue to the tale. An aspect that could easily have fallen flat handled with a real understanding of its place and purpose. It's an ethos ably displayed right across this album, strong foundations lain down through interesting but unobtrusive rhythm tracks. Engaging riffs and keyboard layers then built on top, before solos from both of those instruments ensure the interest, attention and emotions remain fully engaged from start to finish.

I'm not always a fan of these 'home alone' projects where a musician takes on the role of writer, player, producer and, well, everything. However with The Sky Painter Adam Ironside has illustrated that it really is possible to do all that and have an impressively high quality control. If you're looking for a different but familiar journey through symphonically progressive themes delivered with a metallic, virtuosic edge, this will definitely be an album you'll find yourself going back to again and again.

Track Listing
1. Prelude
2. Telling Time
3. The SkyPainter
4. Accidents: The Unforgivable Thing
5. Without A Trace
6. Extinction Level Event
7. DragonSky
8. Epilogue

Added: January 30th 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Adam Ironside online
Hits: 1437
Language: english

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