Skydaddy - Pilot EP Review
Exploring intimacy and vulnerability, Skydaddy's Pilot EP takes flight.
Rachid Amado Fakhre, a native of London, UK, born to parents of Lebanese-Grenadian descent, crafts evocative, heartfelt ballads that resonate with raw emotion. Under his alter-ego Skydaddy, Fakhre explores his deepest feelings, departing from his previous role in the band Spang Sisters to create something far more intimate. His debut EP Pilot comprising five tracks of sprawling beauty, showcases delicate arrangements brimming with warmth and a poignant optimism.
The EP is riddled with delicate piano chords and divine string and woodwind arrangements. The EP opens with ‘His Masterpiece’, an almost tongue-in-cheek statement in a sense. The lyrics delve into themes of urban alienation and disillusionment, portraying a protagonist, Claude, who feels out of place and disconnected amidst the chaos of city life. Through vivid imagery and introspective lyrics, the song explores Claude's sense of isolation, the allure of escapism and fantasy, and the struggles faced by artists in a society marked by superficiality and decay. ‘Masterpiece’ has some beautiful vocal harmonies towards the end. There’s a sadness in the music but it’s overwhelmingly warm in it’s delivery.
The following track, ‘Lebanon Rising’ is a gorgeous tear-inducing acoustic guitar instrumental that progressively get’s more complex with heart wrenching string arrangements that crescendo as the song progresses.
‘Everything’ is another sombre moment where lyrics evoke a sense of eerie tranquility and existential contemplation, employing vivid imagery and cryptic symbolism. The repetition of "Everything in its right place" suggests a mantra-like affirmation, hinting at a desire for order and harmony amidst the chaos of existence. The mention of a barn owl singing and the day breaking juxtaposed with the discomforting imagery of silence, damp walls, and black mould creates a surreal atmosphere, perhaps reflecting the juxtaposition of beauty and decay in life.
‘Tear Gas’ featuring Tyler Hyde of Black Country, New Road fame is one of the strongest songs on the EP. Telling the story of tumultuous relationships, emotional vulnerability, and the complexities of communication. The verses portray a dynamic where one character's stubbornness clashes with the other's fragility, leading to unspoken tensions and frustrations. This is one of the more sparse songs on the EP and could maybe have done with a bit more instrumentation. Although, Hyde’s delivery really compliments Fakhre’s melody and the song works incredibly well as a duet. If you’re not aware they’re actually in a relationship so it’s quite sweet them doing this song together.
The EP closes with ‘That Morning’. The imagery of sunrises over Glanusk Park Estate sets a tranquil yet unsettling backdrop for the unfolding narrative. The pre-chorus reflects a yearning for connection amidst the vastness of nature, juxtaposed with a feeling of insignificance. The chorus reveals a recurring pattern of reaching out for comfort in moments of distress, symbolized by the sirens and the narrator's reliance on their phone.
The EP's production boasts remarkable depth, with ample room for every instrument and voice to shine in the mix. Its soothing ambiance makes it a perfect fit for a February release, enveloping listeners in a cocoon of tranquility. Fakhre's meticulous craftsmanship is evident throughout, crafting an immersive listening experience that invites introspection and solace. He should take pride in this ambitious EP, as it resonates deeply with emotional warmth, wrapping listeners in a musical embrace akin to a cozy blanket on a cold winter's night.
