If science fiction movies of the 80s and 90s such as “E.T.” “Close Encounters Of the Third Kind”, “The Goonies”, “Cocoon” and “Back To The Future” are in your top favorites, you need to hear this new release from Floating Worlds. Floating Worlds has cleverly crafted the perfect concept album, “Skywatcher.” The story is narrated by a successful journalist named Paul Rogers and his experience with a previous case he worked on, in which he follows the mysterious disappearance of a 9-year-old boy. The 9-year-old boy, Winston Smith, was hoping to connect with his father, who was lost through a telescope. Strangely, the use of the telescope send the boy on an intergalactic adventure which lead to his disappearance. We are left wondering, did Winston find out where his father is? Did he get to meet up with him? Find out more on this 10 track album!
The story is set up on the title track. We learn all about Paul Rogers and Winston Smith, their relationship, their bond, and the part of the backstory to the mysterious event. Immediately, 80s music fans will feel drawn into the music. Heavy synths, electric guitars, slamming drums, and edgy vocals transport the listener back to that beloved era of music. It feels retro but gives new life to the genre as new hook melodies have emerged. In this song, the listener hears all about the bond between the journalist, Paul Rogers, and the 9-year-old boy Winston Smith. The listener will get the feeling that Paul Rogers has a deep regard for Winston, looking at him as the “son that he never had.” He shouts into the abyss, “Where are you now?” We are all wondering the same thing. Where is Winston now? What happened to the boy? You can hear sincere emotion throughout the track through the vocals. The song is made complete with a soaring guitar solo followed by an emotional breakdown section.
A funky drum groove kicks off “Starlight Wish.” The drum beat is a strong hook, but the chorus on this song also contains a strong vocal hook! The pace slows a tiny bit for this song compared to the opening track. Lyrically, this song is about the telescope that leads to Winston’s intergalactic adventure. The song could also be a metaphor for the telescope of love that connects a boy with his long-lost father. We can now understand the sense of desperation that the boy has to reconnect with his father. He longs for his father over everything and is willing to do anything for another day with him. This song has a nice breakdown section which symbolizes the journey that Winston goes on while “aiming his telescope at the sky” to try to get a glimpse of his dad’s whereabouts. Will he locate him?
Mysterious synth sounds kick off “Parade.” The listener can assume that there will be a twist in the story, more information comes in this song. This song contains much of the backstory about Winston’s father’s disappearance. It seems that Winston’s father was not involved in a disappearance, but instead was in the military and was sent off to war. He never made it back home. Winston’s mother urges Winston to try to move on, but how could a boy get over losing his father so easily? This song weaves political lyricism into its verses, prompting listeners to reflect on the horrors of war and the sacrifices soldiers make for their country, often at the cost of their families.
Winston can’t move on. His grief is all-consuming, and he’s desperate to be reunited with his father, no matter the cost. “Nostalgic Alleys” is a haunting song set in a minor key, perfectly capturing the weight of his sorrow. It’s now clear that not a day will pass without Winston yearning for his father—longing to hear his laughter, see his smile, and stand face to face with him once more. Even though Winston’s mother urges him to move on, he just can’t. He’s not ready yet. Plus, he hasn’t exhausted all his options.
“Ignorance Goodbye” is one of my personal favorite songs on the record. The song has a powerful bass line that sounds like a low growl. There are heavy guitars and busy drums. This song leans more towards glam metal. The most exciting part of the song is the heavy synth lines that cannot be ignored. “Ignorance Goodbye” has a strong sense of urgency throughout the vocal delivery. Winston has received new scientific information that may relate to his father, and he is excited to explore it. He has a strong sense of hope because of this information.
The most popular song on the record on Spotify is “Hello from out There.” The listener will enter a vibrant track with an energetic and experimental drum groove. Lyrically, this song is about Winston possibly making the first constant with his estranged father, who is in a galaxy millions of miles away. An FM radio has connected him with this foreign planet. Could his father be at the other end, or is he just being too hopeful? The vocal performance on this song is very moving because it is jam packed with immense energy.
A spooky sound takes over the speakers. “In The Dark” is an eerie song with a slow but moving build. Synths, drums, and melodic guitars join in. The vocal is delivered in a slow and emotional fashion. Winston has now made contact with extraterrestrial beings many times. He realizes that someone is parked in a black car outside his house. Someone must be watching him, but why? What information do they have? The intensity of this song builds into a distorted electric guitar solo. What will become of Winston? Is he going to be safe?
The answers come in the next track. “Lost” has even spookier synth and drum sounds. The tension has built even more by this point. Winston has suddenly disappeared. Could it be the person in the black car parked outside? Could it have to do with the telescope? Now, a 9-year-old boy is nowhere to be seen. He is remembered by his town and his mother, and Paul Rogers. With epic drum beats and energetic synths, we come back to Paul Rogers role in this on “Skywatcher.” The journalist feels connected with Winston, believing that Winston is watching him from the sky, perhaps in a galaxy very far away. My personal favorite element of this song is the bass line – be sure to tune in to that sound. The closing track on the record is “Extraterrestrial” which is about the last journey into the mystery of other planets and space. This song is extremely epic and deserves to be blasted loudly from the speakers. The story doesn’t end here. We still have so many questions that are left unanswered, but so does Paul Rogers.
Dive into Skywatcher now. Floating Worlds has gifted us the story of a lifetime.
Written by Ryan Cassata
Submit a single, here.
Submit an EP or LP, here.
The post Skywatcher: A Nostalgic Sci-Fi Odyssey with Floating Worlds appeared first on ROCK THE PIGEON.