Downes Braide Association
Skyscraper Souls
X2X Records
2017
I had the luck to have been following DBA since they were formed (around 5 years ago) and to have listened to both the debut and their sophomore releases. I do think (and I’m not the only one) that there’s quite some music chemistry between these two musicians and the evidence is that they have already released their third studio album. After all, Geoff Downes is a music legend in rock music and had been both keyboardist & songwriter for The Buggles, Asia & Yes. As for the British singer, songwriter and producer Chris Braide, he has already had a very important course in the music scene as he has written and produced songs for Beyonce, Lana del Rey, Paloma Faith, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, David Guetta, Sia, Afrojack & Marc Almond.
“Skyscraper Souls” is not following the electro/synth-pop style of the two previous albums and it’s kinda closer on the traditional prog rock path, but without losing its poppy, melodic and atmospheric elements. For instance, the self-titled track lasts around 18 minutes! This is it! Even though I was a bit skeptical during the first listen, I can now say that it does not bore the listener at any point. I must also report that on this album the duo is joined by drummer Ash Soan (Trevor Horn, Squeeze, Faithless, Del Amitri, Adele, Robbie Williams etc.) and bassist Andy Hodge; that thing offers a more “live” and rockin’ feeling on the tracks. Another strong point is the participation of many great guest contributions (on all tracks); hence we have: Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Andy Partridge (XTC), Kate Pierson (The B52’s), David Longdon (Big Big Train), Tim Bowness (No-Man) and Matthew Koma.
I cannot tell if this album shows the future of the duo… what they have in mind to do from now on or something like that, but I do know that every album they release has a music quality that’s hard to find in today’s music in general. Let’s hope that both Downes & Braide continue working together and offer us wonderful music as they have done so far…
“Skyscraper Souls” is not following the electro/synth-pop style of the two previous albums and it’s kinda closer on the traditional prog rock path, but without losing its poppy, melodic and atmospheric elements. For instance, the self-titled track lasts around 18 minutes! This is it! Even though I was a bit skeptical during the first listen, I can now say that it does not bore the listener at any point. I must also report that on this album the duo is joined by drummer Ash Soan (Trevor Horn, Squeeze, Faithless, Del Amitri, Adele, Robbie Williams etc.) and bassist Andy Hodge; that thing offers a more “live” and rockin’ feeling on the tracks. Another strong point is the participation of many great guest contributions (on all tracks); hence we have: Marc Almond (Soft Cell), Andy Partridge (XTC), Kate Pierson (The B52’s), David Longdon (Big Big Train), Tim Bowness (No-Man) and Matthew Koma.
I cannot tell if this album shows the future of the duo… what they have in mind to do from now on or something like that, but I do know that every album they release has a music quality that’s hard to find in today’s music in general. Let’s hope that both Downes & Braide continue working together and offer us wonderful music as they have done so far…