By: Eric Reyes
May 20, 2020

I listened to Don’t Skip’s latest track as I drove from San Diego to a small farming town you’ve never heard of, don’t worry about it, and it definitely suited the atmosphere. Blue Skies opens in an upbeat tone with spritely vocals that feel at home on Pacific Beach, then builds, menacingly, just as the first verse comes to an end. “Here Comes The Sun” is repeated, in such a shifting tone, that it is almost a threat, a grinning offering to some unseen danger. Then the beat becomes downright spooky, taking on an aggressive note you wouldn’t expect from a song like this. This transition matched the sudden flat, sun-parched valley of dying palm trees and lonely farm houses. 

Drifting in and out of these two realms, these two vibes, without becoming overbearing or an audible assault on your ears, is an impressive feat. Aicha Cherif’s clever wordplay and versatile vocal work definitely lends itself to the surprise edge to be found here. House/EDM has a special talent for hairpin transitions in tone and style, and here it is on full display. Stream it below, and tell us what you think of it on social media at: @gasmaskmagazine.

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