Customer Reviews

Skindive

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Irish newcomers Skindive hit the ground running with this accomplished debut. Their mature sound belies their rookie status, with production on this album (by songwriter/singer/guitarist Gerry Owens) of outstanding quality. The band's gritty rock/electronic sound balances nicely with lush orchestral arrangements (The Irish Film Orchestra, who must have been having fun) and the sweetness of Danielle Harrison's vocals. Several tracks appear to reflect a John Barry influence (In For The Kill must be destined as the next classic James Bond theme). Other standout tracks: Swallow, Tranquillizer (remix free on Napster), Salt Peter, Skindive, and the anthemic Love Me Still, with its rousing brass section. Skindive has kicked down the door with this one.

It's a shame they aren't together any more. They broke up back in 2003 I think. Don't let that stop you from buying this cd! This is a great album. It's considered alternative. It's rock with an orchestra thrown in. You may think Nightwish, but it's nothing heavy, just good rock with a twist. They're female fronted too! I was hooked after hearing "tranquilize" a song pitted against pharmaceutical drugs. The cd is a great mix of songs with themes ranging from, love, the future, and politics. The reason I started this review saying that it's too bad they aren't together, because this cd left me craving more wonderful music from this Canadian band!

this is most definitely spy music. if i was james bond, and i'm cruising around town looking for fun, this cd, along with baxter and portishead, would be in my collection of cds. skindive uses pounding electronic rock and smooth orchestrated sounds to deliver a rock solid album. it blows me away how bands (and there are only a few who can pull it off well) can combine those two sounds, polar opposites, and make it sound beautiful. the lead singer's vocals are out of this world. absolutely perfect. she sounds the best on "sweetness" but is consistent throughout. the songs go from dramatic ("space-age lullaby") to awesomely loud ("skindive") and never leave you disappointed. for people who like garbage, snake river conspiracy, and kidneythieves, this one should definitely not be missed.

Skindive could be compared to Snake River Conspiracy minus the aggressive vocals. They create a smooth atmosphere throughout the entire cd, and still allow each song to be different. A cool spy-theme is definately felt (maybe only noticable to me because of the N64 Bond game), but is developed into much more with the addition of mellow techno and heavy insturmentals (allowing you to rock-out at times). The vocals are fantastic, as well as the perfectly composed orchestral parts in numerous songs. This is a strong and super-smooth cd that I only wish had a follow-up.

I first came across the electrifyingly original Alt. Rock band that is Skindive in Napster's Featered Music list.

Downloaded Tranquilliser...i was very impressed. ...proceeded to download Sweetness...even more impressed. ...then Swallow and Confession...so many brillant songs on the one album!? i must find out more about this band on Amazon. ... I check Amazon...Skindive are Irish!? Wow! I went out and spent the tiny ammount that this cd is being sold for and I haven't stopped listening to it since!

Starts off with a bang with Swallow! Followed by the action packed In For The Kill. then the very intimidatingly mysterious Confession and next comes the melodies from sweet Danielle's voice on Space Age Lullaby. next we're treated to the electrifying Tranquilliser. and that's followed by the extremly likeable and very clever Salt Peter. next comes Skindive. (still no lack of entertainment here!) Zero Now...finally I've found a song on the album that is noticably less interesting than the others....still not a bad song in any means.

the list continues rounding off with my favourite song Sweetness... Danielle's voice shines through on this track and Love Me Still.

The bass guitar of Alan Lee is very noticable all through this album... along with the powerful druming of Ger Farrel. Electricity flows from Gerry Owens' Lead Guitars and Danielle's voice brings tranquillity to this ecstatic, promising new Irish rock band. You won't be disappointed by this near flawless debut album.

First of all, Skindive was featured on Ozzfest Europe. Yes, my friend, I said OZZFEST. And if you don't believe that, you can go to their site to see pictures, they went on just before Slayer did. So, does this make Skindive "heavy metal", well, not exactly. The thing that makes Ozzfest-able shall we say, is the amount of crunchy guitar heard throughout all this cd. Sure, they use orchestras and horns in tracks 6 and 12, but the majority of this cd is filled with dark techno elements, hard rock guitar, and melancholy female vocals. And I'll be one of the first to say this cd is far beyond what one would call "spy music" (excepting of course songs 6 and 12). If you could picture a Nine Inch Nails, with a female throat, and more guitar, this is pretty much what you'd have. This is what Skindive TRULY is, the spy music fabrication really seems to me to be drawn from nowhere.

Wow,what cool music. Very moody, hypnotic..incredibly unique. Hard yet gentle, a haunting sound that will make you feel as if you are in some movie..nobody has heard of this talented new band, so buy it, and amaze your friends!

Most of this album is synth-based, but incorporates a wide variety of other instruments, making Skindive an album of diverse tracks. No two songs sound alike. Listening to this CD, you'll be taken on a magical ride from the guitar-driven "Swallow" to the finale, "Love Me Still," which throws brass instruments into the mix and makes it work. The great thing about this album is that you're sure to find a song on it that fits your mood, whatever it may be at the time. Songs like "In For The Kill" & "Sweetness" are exciting, while others such as the entrancing ballad "Space Age Lullaby" or the James Bond-esque "Salt Peter" will lull you into submission. Skindive are now one of my favorite modern bands, and this is just their first album...

The RealAudio clips don't tell the whole story. One of the other reviewers compared Skindive to spy movie theme music. Maybe, but it's definately not Bond or Derek Flint. This stuff is dark and menacing. It took a few spins for me to appreciate this cd. The guitar player has real talent, and if your in the mood to brood, this is probably a good choice.

The perfect sounds for a summers day....
This band will blow your mind....From the first time i heard them i fell inlove with them...