NO SKY TODAY is the newest band of Wayne Findlay (SLAVIOR/MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP), and they've got a heck of a lot going for them. This self titled album is the band's first release, and it's an absolute cracker. I think that calling it badass would be very appropriate.

The opening track, which is also called "No Sky Today", hooks you in from the word go. And it sets the tone for the entire album, brilliant riffs, awesome vocals, and amazing production values. Although to be fair, considering the history of the members of this band, you wouldn't really expect anything else. As well as Findlay, we've got Paul Jones and his experience with ROBOT LORDS OF TOKYO. And it just gets better from there, if I'm honest. Every song on here was an absolute pleasure to listen to. Even when they slightly slowed things down for "Escape", they still managed to rock your face off. And the aptly named "Intermezzo", being an intermission, of course, is a beautiful little acoustic section just over halfway through the album.

This is an offering from a very talented group of individuals. It's definitely an album that needs to be played loud, and you're not doing it justice if the hairs on the back of your neck aren't standing up from listening to it. There's a brilliant balance struck on this release, between the heavy, badass, melt your face off rocking bits, and this parts where Findlay really shows off his talent on the guitar and piano. And luckily since the production values are so high, every section can be heard crystal clear.

There's talk of a second album from this band being written at the moment, and if it's anything like this one (or better!), then it'll be an absolute classic. As it stands though, this album is absolutely brilliant from beginning to end. One of my favorites of the year.