Rhys Lewis Corner Of The Sky Review
Rhys Lewis is a United Kingdom-based vocalist with songwriting skills that clearly shine. Lewis is an accomplished solo performer, but he also excels in a duo, trio, quartet, or with a full backing band. Lewis and his band have regular gigs at Quaglino’s, Floridita London, and Ronnie Scott’s. He is an artist picking up drive all around London, with a reputation for being an exciting and refreshing sound. The band was also chosen by Harvey Goldsmith to join his festival lineup: Harvey Goldsmith said, “I’ve worked and rocked with the best; The Who, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Jools Holland, and this band have impressed me with their energy, talent, and terrific songwriting. They will blow the crowds away.”
Corner Of The Sky is Lewis’s second album, which packs thirteen songs into a musical journey inspired by life. Lewis says, “Corner Of The Sky is about wanting to make the most of our experiences, connecting with one another through something more than social media, but in the present moment – in the here and now. It’s a devoted love letter to the art of eloping, an uplifting offer to be “lost in a moment,” a remedy for the increasingly suffocating day-to-day fear. But, as the song “Alone” says, “it’s never too late to lean into new experiences – this album is your invitation to them.”
“Love in the Modern Age” is a catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics that speak to the modern manner in which relationships are built and found. Lewis possesses a warm and alluring vocal style that matches the rhythm section’s support. The chorus is memorable and will keep you humming all day. The sound of the band and Lewis’ vocals have a classic overtone, no auto-tune here, thank God! Like vanilla dating apps, auto-tune is the scourge of the music world.
“Midnight” opens with a gorgeous display of Lewis’s vocal power in an a cappella choral line. Here the vocals have reverb and a slight delay but are not overproduced. The harmonies buzz with excitement and support the optimistic lyrics. The band hits to give the song motion and support Lewis as he sings the chorus. Lewis shows he can write songs about many subjects with insight and meaning.
Corner Of The Sky is an album that proves a pop vocalist with a real band supporting him can reach a higher artistic expression. Lewis does not color or overproduce his vocals; instead, he presents his vocal sound in its naturally rich and sonically diverse form. A significant accomplishment in today’s pop music scene. Add to this his strong songwriting skills and charming character, and you can now understand what London is already buzzing about. So is it time for you to climb aboard?