Customer Reviews

Random Escape Plan

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

OK,... so apparently these cat's have been in the Lancaster scene for quite some time, but they seem to have hit a groove that's phunk-a-licious! Every time I see these guys they give a little more, get you dancin' on the floor, always leave you wanting more. The craftsmanship that went into producing a CD of this caliber is simply AMAZING. It makes me proud to be part of the Lancaster vibe. Four unique members make up Second Sky, driven by forces unseen, they throw down the beats that are mean. Then they add DJ Image, and the tribal beats of Tim Riggs,.... well you'll just have to see it to believe it. This CD rocks and so do their live shows!!

I haven't seen second sky live... But I met their singer Billy at the Eighteenth Street Lounge in D.C. and he was giving out copies of this CD. I almost just left it at the lounge, but after talking to Billy about music... it sounded like we had similar taste, so I gave it a listen. Billy told me he likes to ask people "what kind of music do you think we are?" Its a hard question to answer. Its electronic... but also kind of alternative at moments. Prince-ish vocals (from a white guy though) and really good drums. Definately more that I had anticipated.

Imagine being in a club, and hearing a great dj... then a live band leaps right of the vinyl. That's kind of what "random escape plan" by Second Sky sounds like. Bits of Drum N' Bass, House, and Dancehall, are all here. But the live instrumentation gives it a sort of "live" or "organic" feel. Songs like "signs," with its bossa groove, string bass, and twinkling electric piano bring a loungy, acid-jazz vibe, in the vein of Theivery Corporation or Air. While the swirling techno of "who am I" reaches more toward Bjork or the Chemical Brothers. But there is no feeling of Identity crisis! Billy Medina's vocals offer continuity throughout the disk. Especialy on the opening track "Picture This": A cut-and-paste romp through very BECK-esque territory.
Second Sky is a Band. A Band with songs... and an original take on electronic music. While often justly compared to bands like The New Deal... Medina's songs offer a personal touch that really hits home. Get this one!

GREAT PARTY MUSIC. listened front to back and never bored - amazed. this is a live band, but some tracks hit dj vibe so well, they're hypnotizing --
listened to the album three times and can say this group is truly original - i hear alot of flavor: BECK, DESMOND WILLIAMS, PRINCE, AIR, STS9 -- though, it's not a predictable imitator's paradise - like many electro-bands can be. this band is where my music collection is headed. if you like any of the artists that i mentioned, you should indulge - once again- big hit at parties!

I have to admit, I was expecting another middle of the road local sound. But, I listened to the entire CD - start to finish -and LOVED it. The whole thing. It really works. These guys are great musicians and have a fresh and captivating sound. I'm a fan.

This is what U2's discoteque "could have been." Really cool sounding electronics... analog synth... naturalistic drums... and good songwriting. Really glad I bought this.

For the past two years I've lived in New York... and during that time I've seen a LOT of bands. Most of them are nothing special. This band is different.
My friend Shannon said she'd be sitting in with this band Second Sky at the Lion's Den. I went because she was my friend, but didn't really expect much.
What I was treated to was an hour of fun... sexy... and energetic techno-ish music. The singer (a thin, handsome, blue-haired cross between Mick Jagger and Ziggy Stardust) surrounded by a DJ, keyboardist, 2 drummers, and a bassist lit up the otherwise dingy NYC club. The CD was just as good when I got home and listened to it, and a great keepsake of my experience.

hell yeah. i found a diamond in the rough. i am a fan of live music, but there is so much mediocrity to sift through these days that sometimes i don't even want to take a chance on a band i haven't heard of. but i just recently happened to catch second sky at the lion's den in the village, and i am converted. i bought the cd at the show and had one of those rare experiences where i was absolutely sure i was going to like it. well, strike that. I LOVE IT!! i dare you to classify this band. there are definite elements of trip-hop, drum'n'bass, house, r&b, dub and dancehall reggae, rock, bossa nova, a little middle eastern, even a little salsa flair on one of the hidden tracks. but the best part is, they defy description, and make that a genre of their own. i've been turning a lot of people on to this disc and they are making the craziest family tree for this band. people mention morcheeba, air, thievery corporation, david bowie, sound tribe sector nine, the new deal, jamiroquai, U2, even bands like weather report and return to forever. the best thing about them is that everyone can identify with something in their music. and they can write SONGS, not just jam lot of bands that are out to make people dance. and if you see them live, you'll experience the insane energy this unit brings, whether they are reawakening your tribal self with one of their thunderous percussion breaks (everyone in the band is sick on percussion in addition to their own instruments), or bringing you into the 21st century with funky ... jams like no music you've ever heard yet equally accessible at the same time. the cd and the live show both represent the band well. i recommend picking up the cd first, getting a good dose, and then looking for a show in the club near you. you'll want to rage, shake your ..., laugh, cry, make love, and change the world all in one night. don't sleep on these guys!! peace.

I could play track 4, Inside, for the rest of my life and never be sick of it. This album is great.

If you are a true lover of music, the arrangement of sounds, this belongs in your collection. Lots of tasteful combinations from electronic and acoustic instruments. I had to read the press reviews on this site after hearing their music. I couldn't believe this group hasn't hit it big yet! Random Escape Plan will have a happy home in my CD tower next to Beethoven, the Misfits, and india.arie. When's the next one, Second Sky???