Originally posted on the GONE WILD and friends Facebook page!! – Much thanks for the kind words brother!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Chris Szkup – Pieces Of Eternity (2009)
www.cs-songs.com
Chris’ solo recording career has only just begun, and what a way to kick things off !
1. Magical Occurence (2.23)
– I’ve liked this song ever since I heard a demo version years ago (it seems like eons ago). You know you’re in for a something special when a track such as this is the opener – it leads one to think a special journey is about to unfold…and indeed what it promises is then delivered.
2. First Blood (6.50)
– I’d heard a bit about this song over the course of our correspondence and know how much it meant to Chris to be able to pull this one off (as one would expect with everything on this album). What I hear is more killer riffs on this one song than some people have on their whole albums. The Brian May-style guitar harmonies really kick into life along with some Slash-type vibes thrown in for good measure (shades of Slash’s best work at any rate). The vocal on this track is definitely one where Chris’ voice is really comfortable sounding on the ears. Anyone that uses a whammy bar to such a successful conclusion as on this tune has my full and undivided attention.
3. (I Can’t) Start Again (5.09)
– Shades of The Rolling Stones here – and thats a compliment and a half, the riffs abound as one would expect when you’ve got someone of Chris’ calibre laying down the gatt work. What impressed me here was the strength of the vocal too, lots of attitude pours out in every word – and a great time i expect was had recording this tune, at least thats what I am hearing. This would be and should be a strong contender for radio play.
4. Soundtrack (4.33)
– If there were a prize for the cynical lyric of the year award – then this track would be a contender no doubt about it (I know a thing or two about this kinda thing – so trust me), nice licks are thrown down amongst an overall comfortable soundscape – this one shouldn’t scare too many grandma’s – at least musically.
5. October 22 (4.03)
– This is another song that I had previously heard a demo version of (in fact I have it lying around here amongst my archives – don’t worry it won’t end up on ebay just yet LOL). Now I know Chris’ musical tastes are pretty electic so it comes as no surprise when theres a knee’s up type number thrown into the mix – his brother Matt did quite well on the tambourine there (I have video footage of him in the studio laying this down – a good time looked to be had on this occasion). This is a fun one ya’ll – yeehaw !
6. Transition (7.31)
– What a delightful wee number we have here (it didn’t seem like it was that long when I listened to it the first time, which is usually the sign of brilliance) – Chris might well forgive me if I compare this soundscape to some of Mark Knopflers better known works (at least as far as the mellow vibes are concerned). This track is an absolute stunner, just when your mind is transfixed on the sublties, out comes this rather awesome piece of lead work – I wish I could play like that! (now you know with Chris and Rob Smith around why i don’t even bother ! LOL)
7. To A Scream (9.44)
– Given the length of this number I fully expected that this would be something special – long tunes generally hold my attention longer than most as I know the challenge put into creating such masterpieces. As far as pushing the boundaries are concerned, this tune does so in spades. The killer licks, the vocal effects, the highballers – they all work bigtime. Lyrically this is my favourite song on the album, in fact this song as a whole has just the right attitude to have me grinning like a chesire cat…there’s blues, metal and even some funk going on there – I dig bigtime ! I might also add that the drummer is tighter than…well I better not ellaborate, but rest assured it kicks all kinds of ass!
8. Lost Soul (4.17)
– I was so glad to hear a track where the piano comes to the fore, thus proving once and for all that Chris is more than just a brilliant exponent of the axe merchand variety of human being. This is one of my favourite tracks on this album also. Knowing that Chris is a huge fan of Roger Taylor (Queen – not Duran Duran, although he may be a fan of his too) so it comes as no surprise that there would be the kind of song on this album that reminds me of Roger’s best work (I could imagine him singing this number) – funnily enough the lead guitar solo once again reminds me of that other Queen chappy. Melody abounds – and I love melody, in fact I would go so far as to say that the vocal refrains are quite dreamy (but hey anything would be after “To A Scream” wouldn’t it ? LOL)
9. Innate Self Destruct (5.26)
– This was the first track that I heard completed during the recording sessions of this album, I remember telling Chris how much I was into not only the usual (tight as playing/instrumentation), but also I really REALLY digged the vocal on this one – particularly pleasing to me was that there were backing vocals in there that added to the overall feel of the song, more than ably (in fact I’d like to hear this cat tending to the backing vocals on some other tunes in the future). It might seem weird to think a metalhead would have a toe-tapper (this is the second one) on their debut album – but Chris defies all the rules and does what he does because he makes the music he digs. Again this is another mighty effort and another album highlight for me. Check out when those guitars come in – it’s like going a round with Rocky, cue the air guitars mofos! This is a rock ‘n’ roll orgy on this here tune, someone pass me a cigarette!!!!.
10. Tribal Eat Pop Slop (7.15)
– Closing off the album where we started from – this song is completely nothing like I had expected. I’m not going to ruin it for the listener by saying exactly what’s going on here, but this song is the kind of track that offers up allsorts of weird and wonderful imagery – a contender for a video treatment perhaps? This is one compelling wee ditty that draws the listener in, it had me guessing what was coming next, quite hypnotic in its rendering, it’s a perfect album closer I reckon.
Kudos to Matt and Dale for their efforts on this here album – you have served your apprenticeships well – keep up the great work lads!
In closing I am happy to see that my brother in rock has realised his dream of having completed recording his debut album, the sky is now the limit…I thank Chris for his contributions and inspirations to our shared endeavours and now feel blessed to know his solo material will inspire as well – I feel that time will be kind to this chap and his talents and I look forward to helping Chris achieve the goal of achieving a few more of his dreams, i’m proud to call this dude my brother in rock !
Tasmania has finally bred their own form of rock god (this album confirms it even though I already knew this from our previous endeavours of working together) – even though Melbourne will no doubt claim the bugger LOL
I have to extend a congrats to Dan Verkys (www.guardenofbandthings.com) for his amazing artwork that ties it all together rather nicely – extending the whole visual vibe i’m getting from this platter….kudos all round there man! (which you can see my niece Kayla was mighty impressed with too 🙂
Here’s to album’s #2,#3…and then some !
– Richard Anderson (GONE WILD, The Feckers)