GENRE | Experimental Psych
LABEL | Self-released
RELEASE DATE | February 3, 2017
VERDICT | Druggy dancing for ghosts
Prepare yourself for some weirdness. “Energy Vampire Weekend” is a mellow psychedelic rock track by Boston native Skyjelly. It captures a sound reminiscent of the great rock era from the mid-80s to the late ’90s, where wandering vocals fall somewhere between David Byrne when he gets weird and David Bowie on a good day.
The quality of Skyjelly’s sound is not like most up-and-coming punk acts in the Boston area. Sonically, the track is hybrid of The Smiths and Radiohead which too reflects the nature of the artist. The simple lyrics paired with the soft, marching backing track transforms the sorrowful lyrics to a mature, accepting renounce of whatever is provoking. Sung notes stumble from the leading voice and ambient sounds lap to provide a meditative stillness.
The accompanying visual, cover art of the larger body of work the song belongs too, mirrors the essence of the song. The image looks to be a dead possum with stitched sides that, if not observed carefully, looks like a smiling mouth. This muted death is almost celebratory as if whatever died is relieving and freeing. As such, “Energy Vampire Weekend” seems to be the revival of a blood thirsty creature, like fresh blood of a vampire — or more commonly known as a few beers on a Saturday night out where a night of big fun and no rules can spiral out of control.
