As requested by many, here’s John SYKES own band ‘SYKES’ debut album titled “Out Of My Tree“. The CD came with OBI that has 日本先行発売 characters which translates to “released in Japan prior to elsewhere”. Well, mid-90s were difficult time for this kind of classic hard rock, and eventually “Out Of My Tree” was released in Japan only.
John Sykes, a phenomenal guitar player, singer and songwriter, king of sustain, helped propel bands like Thin Lizzy and Whitesnake to fame in the 1980s. After Whitesnake, Sykes formed awesome group Blue Murder with drummer Carmine Appice until 1994, then launched a solo career and formed his band “SYKES”.
“Out Of My Tree” is an album where Sykes was fully involved, from songwriting to production – a true ‘solo’ album. And a killer one.
Take as example opener “Soul Stealer”: a pretty simple, straight-forward hard rock song with one of the most ferocious guitar solos Sykes ever recorded. Next “I Don’t Wanna Live My Life Like You” it’s one of his best-known solo songs. The title says it all, the lyrics are rebellious and musically with a some Thin Lizzy flavor.
When you hear this album there’s a sense of timeless melodies. “Out Of My Tree” hasn’t become old a bit. It’s fresh as the day it came out. It’s fabulous, and hard rock like none is gonna make it anymore. Not with this feeling.
The songwriting is excellent regarding hard rock music, the riffs are killers and John plays and sings like a master. The band is John, Marco Mendoza bass, Tommy O’Steene drums. A tight unit.
All over, Sykes lets loose with authority. The midtempo “She’s All Action” is a bass dominated track, which segues into the Jimi Hendrix inspired bluesy, four-minute “Standing at the Crossroads” which arrangement allows Sykes to breakout various effects, while “Black Days” carries a cool Deep Purple vibe.
“Jesus & Mary Jane” is anchored by a tight groove, and the short “Do or Die” is a lean ‘n’ mean rocker. The laid back “Sleep On” brings this rocking CD to a melodic close.
“Out Of My Tree” is simply a splendid album and some of the best from John Sykes impressive – and underrated – career.
Timeless, never-boring impressive record. Hard to find CD but worth every cent.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – Soul Stealer
02 – I Don’t Wanna Live My Life Like You
03 – She’s All Action
04 – Standing At The Crossroads
05 – I Don’t Believe In Anything
06 – Black Days
07 – Jesus & Mary
08 – Do Or Die
09 – If You Ever Need Love
10 – Sleep On
Guitar, Vocals, Backing Vocals, Bass – John Sykes
Bass – Marco Mendoza
Drums – Tommy O’steen
Strings – Jim Siterly (tracks: 5, 6, 9)