Floating Worlds is a band with a long history, marked by constant changes yet always retaining something familiar. Formed by friends Andreas V. and Vagelis Lekos in 1998, the group became an experimental platform for everything they had inside until the time came to release it. It took years and a few lineup changes before vocalist J. Soti joined them in 2011 – at which point Floating Worlds finally solidified their direction.

The band embarked on a European tour, making their name known among fans of conceptual rock. Three albums and numerous live shows later, they, like many others, faced the new reality of the pandemic. Pausing, reflecting, and channeling energy into the studio became a logical step. And in these circumstances, their new album, Skywatcher, was born – an expansive conceptual work that immerses listeners in the story of young Paul Rogers.

photo by @floating_worlds_official

A real boy whose fate slipped out of our reality and into the world of science fiction, earning him a second life in a new form. Skywatcher is an entire movie in sound, with each song like a frame from an ’80s sci-fi movie. Everything is meticulously crafted: Carpenter-esque synthesizers, spacious guitar sound, and vocals that seem ready to break through the cosmic vacuum at any moment. This is an album to be listened to with the lights off, eyes closed, maybe even with a strong cup of coffee. Then, the sound begins to reveal hidden details – invisible strokes.

What’s also remarkable is their bold step away from their usual sound into the realm of a true concept album. It’s easy to say that Floating Worlds has redefined themselves. What started as classic rock has merged with elements of retro-futurism and cinematic melodrama, creating something atmospheric and unexpected.

All the tracks are a rollercoaster, but I’ll highlight a few that stand out and resonated with me the most. Skywatcher opens with a vibrant bombshell – Strange Kid, where Floating Worlds mix retro-disco with rock, instantly immersing you in that ’80s sci-fi vibe. This track feels like the opening scene of a film, packed with adrenaline and energy, with rhythms that practically pull you into an imagined world. And right here, you feel the attention to detail: from the guitar riffs to the meticulously crafted drums – every element sounds polished, amplifying the sense of cinematic scale.

The sci-fi adventure continues with Parade, an atmospherically tense track featuring heavy guitars and a sharp, violet-tinged sound. J. Soti’s vocals come across as stylish and assertive, with a distinctly rock edge. This track is perhaps the “rockiest” on the album, giving it an extra punch.

Nostalgic Alleys then takes a cosmic turn into meditation. The guitars create shimmering waves, briefly evoking a feeling of weightlessness. In Hello from out There, Floating Worlds play with sound, blending nostalgic ’80s sci-fi vibes with modern rock and a catchy melody. This track is a sort of greeting from the past and a step into the future: synth pads, a grooving rhythm, and vocals with a vintage yet powerful tone make this song vibrant and standout. It’s the track that challenges the whole album with its dynamism.

photo by @floating_worlds_official

In the Dark takes us deeper, with Floating Worlds abruptly shifting the mood. A slow, dark melody accompanied by echoing pads brings a sense of unease, as if venturing into an unknown part of space. At times, the sound seems to spiral, with the vocals rising and adding intrigue.

Lost is the sound of distance and detachment. Here, the synth pads resonate with a quiet, sobering sadness, while J. Soti’s vocals add a hint of despair not present before.

The album concludes with the instrumental track Extraterrestrial – an epic, sweeping composition where Floating Worlds leave space for personal interpretation of the finale. Here, the guitars start with soft melodies, gradually building into a dense rhythm bolstered by powerful drums. It almost sounds like the end of an era – loud, intense, and hitting right on target.

Each of the ten tracks seems purposefully to build a bridge between your reality and a soundscape cosmos. At some point, you stop feeling like a listener and become part of Paul Rogers’ journey. It’s not that Floating Worlds are “discovering a new planet.” They’re exploring familiar themes – but they draw you into these themes as if you yourself were the lost boy searching for his path in the vastness of space.

J. Soti’s vocals are a story of their own. The voice seems to echo off the cold walls of space, returning to you once again. It doesn’t pretend to “know it all” – it’s merely a guide, and it works.

Honestly, I’m curious to see how long they’ll continue exploring this style and where it will take them. Skywatcher by Floating Worlds feels like the beginning of something bigger – a step forward toward even more ambitious works.

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub