New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Sabbatical Year, the much buzzed-about piano rock band, will release its second album SY2 on March 24th. The follow-up to the Atlanta band's self-titled record in 2014, SY2 adds luscious layers of the heartfelt rock sound so captivating on its debut, showcasing the band's songwriting and soundscape at new heights all while being front by a piano like some of the greatest rock musicians ever.
With an always soulful and sometimes sweet sound harkening back to
Elton John and
Billy Joel and reminiscent of modern piano rock masters
Ben Folds and Coldplay, Sabbatical Year puts its piano proudly at the fore. And on SY2, that sound is only enriched by the sonic addition of guitars, pedals, brass instruments and intriguing percussive elements that bring the musical narrative to a truly heightened level.
SY2's two singles exemplify the band at its best, albeit using different musical formulas to reach that soulful sweet spot. "Mulberry Grove" is a roller coaster of funky keys, soulful vocals and a driving rhythm section that kicks off the journey that is SY2. "Lookout Mountain" is a soaring ballad that sways in a dance of piano and a lockstep rhythm section until it's driven home with yearning vocals and riffing guitar. Throw in tunes like the quick-lipped pitter-patter of an updated Motown sound on "Drakeside", as well as the somber-come-searing piano/acoustic revelation that is "Something To Fall Asleep To", and what you have is one true experience of an album.
Formed in 2013, founding members Nick Margiasso (lead vocals/percussion) and Drew Norris (piano/guitar/vocals) turned the remnants of a previous band into a two-piece indie rock outfit called Sabbatical Year. With early buzz for the group's first few songs instantaneous, the band looked to fill out its lineup by first adding Justin Sperrazza (bass/guitar/vocals) and later Norris' brother Devon (drums).
Sabbatical Year toured -- including playing the Atlanta Braves' Turner Field -- and built a following locally, nationally and worldwide following the 2014 release of their self-titled debut. The band's energetic and thoughtful take on a piano rock 'n' roll set up piqued listeners interests and led the band to keep the momentum going by getting into the studio again in Fall 2014 to create what would become the sessions for the soon-to-be-released follow up SY2.
SY2 is a journey that stands on the shoulders of its rock 'n' roll elders and carries the baton of current piano-fronted rock musicians to new places. It is a sound earnest and endearing while also hip-shakingly soulful. More pointedly, it is one musical trip you do not want to miss.
