Big Sky

A perennial favorite at Orlando's Sapphire (now The Social), Gainesville's Big Sky should be poised for wider recognition based on this solid release on the hometown Dragoncar label.
With its muscular rhythm guitar and threads of Hammond B-3 organ, By Design is the kind of rock record that unfortunately hasn't surfaced much in the days since Limp Bizkit and Korn. There's an ebullient energy that informs these hooky songs, pleasantly reminiscent of the days when rock didn't spit so vehemently on its pop roots.

The interesting thing about Big Sky (set to perform two dates next weekend at The Social) is how the band makes its concessions to current trends without compromising its knack for memorable tunes. The title track, which is also the song being pitched to radio, is powered by a frenetic multiple-guitar blast and double-time drums. Yet it's the descending chords
and harmonies that drive the chorus into your brain.

Equally melodic is "Hoped For," which looks at rejection with the perfect dose of bitterness.

"I don't think you'll ever find another," singer Mark Gaignard asserts in a tenor that's both harsh and flexible. "If you say you will, you know it's lies, lies, lies. I don't think you'll ever find another like me."

Gaignard proves that he's more than a shouter by infusing the midtempo rocker "Leaving Town," with a sly charm in the verses.

Musically, it's a deceptively simple concoction of guitars, drums, bass and organ.

Although guitarists Chris Floyd and Ben Rowell are generally higher in the mix, it's organist Dave Moore who often provides an unexpected punch. His shimmering keyboards accentuate the streetwise groove on "Undertow" and carry the arrangement on the soulful ballad "Kings."
Though saxophonist Dave Kurzman's solo is a trifle tinny on "Undertow," the mix is generally flawless despite the range of producers.

So is the band's grasp of musical styles, which extend beyond predictable rock influences to touch on blues ("Back From Yesterday") and Tex-Mex country ("Cielo Grande"). If such effortless diversity is a sign of anything, the forecast for Big Sky should call for big success.

Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel


- Jim Abbott

Gainesville, Florida, has steadily built a reputation as one of the best college towns in America, and now one of its bands seems poised to put itself on the national map. Big Sky, which delivers intelligent, guitar driven pop with an edge, recently released it's latest album, By Design, and combines the soulful vocals of frontman Mark Gaignard with the band's melodic sensibilities to produce a sound custom made for today's mainstream radion airwaves.
- Modern Rock-February 25, 2002

Rock music, often said to be in its death throes, is still very much alive, and Big Sky is here to prove it.
The group, which got its start in Gainesville seven years ago, is known for melodic pop, tight arrangements and thoughtful lyrics. These days, Big Sky has added more meat to its plate. "By Design," the group's 5th album, opens with some pretty heavy guitar - simply put, this is driving, thumping rock 'n' roll.
The opening (and title) track skips all the low gears and throws you right into the thick of it. The song is pure anthemic rock at its finest - modern, yet somewhat reminiscent of '80s groups like The Alarm and Hoodoo Gurus. Big Sky is at The Palace Saturday night.
- Music Page