Sabbatical Year, the much buzzed-about Atlanta-based piano rock band, have just released their second album SY2. Following on from band’s self-titled record in 2014, SY2 adds luscious layers of captivating and heartfelt rock while showcasing the band’s songwriting and soundscape at new heights.
After forming in 2013, founding members Nick Margiasso (lead vocals/percussion) and Drew Norris (piano/guitar/vocals) built upon early buzz for the group’s first few songs, and band looked to fill out its lineup by adding Justin Sperrazza (bass/guitar/vocals) and later Devon Norris (drums).
The new album is comprised of a sweet sound harkening back to Elton John and Billy Joel and reminiscent of modern piano-rock artists including Ben Folds and Coldplay. On SY2, Sabbatical Year positions its piano proudly at the fore and emphasises this further with the addition of soulful guitars and brass along with intriguing percussive elements that clearly illustrates their progress from their first album.
Mulberry Grove is the lead single from SY2 and epitomises the band at it’s best with a roller coaster of funky keys and heartfelt vocals. Lookout Mountain is a towering ballad that is driven home with yearning vocals and guitar riffs; you will be left singing the chorus for hours. Along with tunes such as the updated Motown sound on Drakeside, as well as the somber-come-searing piano/acoustic revelation that is Something To Fall Asleep To, what you have is one true experience of an album.
SY2 is a journey that stands on the shoulders of its rock ’n’ roll elders and carries the baton of piano-fronted rock musicians to new heights. It is a sound earnest and endearing while also hip-shakingly soulful. The album is available now on iTunes and Spotify, and you can watch the music video for Mulberry Grove below.
