★★★★
The second release from one-man music machine I Built The Sky (AKA Rohan ‘Ro’ Stevenson) is nothing short of a powerful production.
The Sky Is Not The Limit, with its tracks named after cloud formations, immerses the listener into everything from metal to intricate punk.
This album has it all: experimental guitar runs, synthesizers, crashing hi-hats. ‘Radiatus’ in particular is demonstrative of Stevenson’s amazing guitar talent, with guitar runs so fast you’re left imagining if he ever takes his hands away from the instrument.
The only thing The Sky Is Not The Limit is lacking is vocals – after three or four tracks, it just feels like it needs some lyrics. The impressive prog-rock experimentation loses its wow factor and you find yourself humming your own imaginary vocal lines. Even if Stevenson were to record his own voice, in keeping with his one-man show mantra, it would give several of these tracks that tiny little tip over the edge they need. Listening to the mystical ‘Humilis’, you can just imagine some gnarly screamo vocals; likewise with ‘Cumulus’.
The sky is in no way the limit for Stevenson, and he’s absolutely tapping into something with his sound.
I Built The Sky’sThe Sky Is Not The Limitis released independently and available now.
