Vince Leigh’s Single Review: Walk Through Fire by Ion Sky
By Vince Leigh (Ex drummer of Pseudo Echo, Tina Arena and John Farnham) of Australian Radio Promotion for Sheldon Ang Media
Emerging from the confoundingly healthy Australian rock scene, Ion Sky aims to set ablaze the airwaves again with their latest single, Walk Through Fire, serving as the lead track from their just-released EP, Regeneration. Comprising Mike Joseph on lead vocals, Mark Savoia on guitar and vocals, Leigh Sciore on drums, Jake James on guitar and vocals, and Matt Goddard on bass and vocals, this band is clearly on a focused musical path, and this new track exemplifies that. Walk Through Fire epitomizes the explosive fusion of hard rock acumen, adapting soaring melodic lines and an undeniable sense of dynamism and energy.
Building upon the foundation laid by their previous releases, namely Round The Neck and Devil’s Corner, this latest offering encapsulates Ion Sky’s sonic essence, seamlessly merging firepower with a keen musical sensibility. The song opens with a restrained mood, combining a clean guitar with ambient-style textures, creating an atmospheric backdrop. As the track progresses into its verses, a pre-chorus ushers us towards a climactic chorus. Here, the guitar riffs surge forward, intensifying the overall mood alongside the urgent rhythmic pulse and accented instrumentation.
The vocal performance rises to the occasion, fortified by layers of supporting vocals that expand the section and lend it a lustrous sheen. With its elongated notes and two-chord progression, the chorus serves as a masterful enhancement of the hook, culminating in a resolution that seamlessly transitions into a reinvigorated incarnation of the dominant guitar riff, bolstered by the band’s syncopated skills. Another cycle of verse and chorus ensues, leading into a bridge adorned with a modified guitar riff and a spoken word refrain reminiscent of the post-grunge stylings of the ‘90s.
Yet, this homage is deftly woven into the song’s fabric, displaying Ion Sky’s self-assured approach and an aptitude for integration. A measured break intercedes, crafting a striking contrast that paves the way for a diversified chorus rendition. Slight melodic alterations fuel an emotional charge that harmoniously interweaves with the resounding hooks. Walk Through Fire is poised to satiate Ion Sky’s burgeoning fanbase and is a tantalizing glimpse into what awaits them on the band’s EP.
