REVIEWS OF $ELL THE SKY:
Review - Tape Op Magazine
(www.tapeop.com)
Upwell
$ell the Sky
Jack Endino (Tape Op #13/book Vol.2) did an awesome job producing, recording and mixing this at Soundhouse in Seattle. His quote on the band's press release sums it up perfectly, "Upwell is one of the most terrifyingly great bands I have ever known out of Seattle. Their musicianship and songwriting is monstrous... They're heavy like Soundgarden or Zeppelin with killer female vocals, but with their own unique style." Anyone who knows Jack knows he doesn't exactly hand out compliments or praise like it's candy on Halloween. Very solid disc. Mastered by Rick Fisher at RFI Mastering, Seattle.
~Larry Crane
Review - Innocent Words Magazine
(www.innocentwords.com)
Upwell
$ell the Sky
(Self-Released)
Upwell’s $ell the Sky is an interesting animal. What I mean by that is, you’re never too certain of just what is around the next corner. At times it comes over brooding and electric like something Drain STH left behind, others it wails like Mindless Self Indulgence, and then at other times it sounds like Dog Fashion Disco.
It’s a different sound for sure. It’s not quite rock, not quite metal, but falls somewhere in-between. At ten tracks $ell the Sky plays quick, and definitely doesn’t fade or bore along the way. The female vocals of Michelle Pavcovich are a strong touch throughout, and the guitar work of Steve Schneider will keep you guessing. His guitars are towering and throughout all of the odd-timing changes and chucky bass lines, Upwell doesn’t forget how to write an accessible hook. "44229868
" might be the best track on the record through its smoky, almost Southern style vocals, menacing guitar work and unwavering drumming. Upwell understand that a good record is also a complete record, and that’s just what $ell the Sky is, a complete record with well-built tracks from beginning to end.
I wouldn’t say $ell the Sky is for everyone, but those looking for a fresh sound (like me) will want to take a chance on it. It is one of the better records I have heard from a band hailing from Seattle in some time.
~ Brian Campbell
Review - Pop Rocket Press
(www.poprocketpress.com)
UPWELL
Sell The Sky
If you’re looking for female-fronted vocals such as Evanescence, forget it. Singer Michelle Pavcovich is way too powerful a presence for that. Upwell updates the Seattle sound with some pop flourishes and impressive guitar lines, while giving the nod to late 80s bands such as the Nymphs, L7, and Soundgarden. They mix the occasional ballad with crushing vocals and some Black Sabbath stylings, satisfying all the headbangers in the audience. Sell The Sky does meander a bit at times, with too many change-ups for its own good. But if you’ve burned out all your favorite Sub-Pop grunge and need something new, Upwell is the band.
~Dino Raecker
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