9/10
Sky Meets Earth unleashes six inspired tracks of energetic pop music on its debut release, and each serves as a reminder that hooks and infectious riffs are not tantamount to stupidity. Led by the whirling and propulsive guitars of Tyson Hummel and Drew McClellan as well as the ever-inspiring drumming of Brandon LaBarge plus the otherworldly bass of Ben Harvey, “Action vs Words,” “Turn It On” and “Doom” all move with an intensity that reminds us that rock ain’t dead. Elsewhere, the quartet turns its attention to the moody and darkly sexy with “By the Phone” (featuring McClellan delivering some downright soulful sax work) and the danceable (“The Best Policy,” a track that wouldn’t be out of place beside the likes of Vampire Weekend) as well as the arena-worthy (“Bluebird,” which begs for an extended live workout). One of the smartest and most sophisticated pop records to emerge in a long time. Absolutely refreshing. Absolutely powerful. Absolutely necessary.––Jedd Beaudoin
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