CD REVIEW: A Skylit Drive

Posted July 7 at 02:10 PM

If you’re a 209Vibe reader between the ages of 13-18, be prepared. You may find the following review as disturbing and offensive as the meathead who targets you during dodgeball in gym class.If you’re a 209Vibe reader between the ages of 13-18, be prepared. You may find the following review as disturbing and offensive as the meathead who targets you during dodgeball in gym class.

A Skylit Drive’s debut CD, “Wires... and the Concept of Breathing” is better than its live shows.

Now calm down and stop slashing at this newspaper with your broken Frappuccino bottle. I can make a good argument to support this.

The Lodi-based A Skylit Drive has become the 209’s biggest band by virtue of its live shows, which have drawn sold-out crowds to the 500-seat Stockton Empire Theatre. On stage the scramo act turns the volume up to 11 and rages in a brutal assault; you can sing along if you know the words, but you can’t appreciate the band’s musicianship.

And that musicianship is what comes through on “Wires...” Joey Wilson and Nick Miller’s intricate guitarwork shines between the thudding breakdowns and growling vocals on tracks like “City On the Edge of Forever.” Singer Michael “Jag” Jagmin’s soaring voice, meanwhile, turns the midtempo song “My Disease” into an anthem. - Ian Hill / 209Vibe editor