Vermillion Skye - Zebra Mentality (2018)

"Zebra Mentality" is Vermillion Skye's sixth studio album and the sophomore singing effort for Jeff Johnston: the band's keyboardist and composer. The album's title track explores the herd mentality that humans exhibit day to day. When you try to be like everyone else, what is your real identity? The title track itself challenges the norm by being an African-rhythm tune written in 5/4. There's even a Blues tune written in 7/4 appropriately called "The 7/4 Blues" which surprisingly one could dance to. That said, there are progressive time signatures sprinkled throughout the album, but it all feels right to the listener. Other stand out tracks include "The Pecking Order", "Aryanna", and "Tottenham" (written about the 2011 race riot in London England). Hints of Styx, Saga, and Genesis, as always, make their appearance, but the sound is uniquely Vermillion Skye. Don't be a Zebra - check out this album.