Joe Geni – City Where The Sky Subsides
Joe Geni’s “City Where The Sky Subsides” integrates the atmospheric tones of the 1980s with the complex sophistication of 1970s progressive rock. The song’s concept is straightforward and applicable: a guy is dissatisfied when a potential date is ruined by a sudden rainstorm, leaving him “gazing out a double pane stained by exploding rain until the sky subsides.” The lyrics and melody portray the subject of waiting, desire, and the unpredictable nature of life. The tune begins with a groovy guitar riff supported with echo effects that instantly establishes a dark atmosphere. As the drums join in, the beat grows more intense, bringing you into the song’s main mood. Geni’s vocals, influenced by Talk Talk, have a distinct 1980s flavor, adding a depth of nostalgia to the song. From 0:37 to 1:06, the music takes a surprising change as synthesizers and new arrangement enter the mix. During this section, Geni’s vocal performance takes on a progressive tone similar to Peter Gabriel’s time in Genesis. This odd mix of post-punk and prog is really powerful. The shift is smooth, leading the listener on a short but exciting journey through many musical eras and styles. The song then returns to its post-punk origins, with the bass and guitar taking center stage once again. The difference between the song’s sections is breathtaking but it works. This odd blend of post-punk’s raw intensity and prog rock’s sophisticated orchestration is what distinguishes “City Where The Sky Subsides”. It’s a refreshing and original music that pushes limits while remaining true to its influences.
Photo Credit: photo by Emily Kaplan
