Skycall is the musical project of Fabrice Duval, a neuropsychiatrist by day and “rockstar” by night, who seamlessly blends his flourishing medical career with his lifelong passion for music. Originally formed in 2019 in Colmar, France, Skycall was founded by Duval and Luc Erwin, former members of Tax Free, along with Didier Hoffmann on drums. The group saw a lineup change in 2021 with Amanda S. taking over drumming duties. Even though the group went their separate ways in 2023 to work on solo endeavors, Duval has kept the Skycall tradition alive by continuing his music career as a solo artist. Duval, a composer and multi-instrumentalist, is currently dedicated to finishing a full-length album, with “Amy” as the project’s second single. Duval’s music is enriched by his distinct expertise as a neuropsychiatrist, bringing deep psychological insights and adding complexity to his compositions.
On July 19th, 2024, Skycall, the continuing solo endeavor of Fabrice Duval, dropped its most recent single “Amy”. This song is a unique mix of classic psychedelic rock with contemporary touches, highlighting Duval’s skills as a composer and musician. Duval adds a distinctive complexity to his music by creating immersive soundscapes filled with deep psychological understanding. “Amy” showcases his skill in blending his medical knowledge with his love for music, creating a song that is not only engaging but also encourages reflection and contemplation.
The music starts with a powerful drum roll that establishes the mood for what is coming next. The rhythmic start gradually turns into a blend of clean guitars and bass lines, resulting in a catchy and mellow atmosphere. The opening segment’s instrumentation is carefully designed, with each element in perfect harmony to captivate the listener. The drums maintain the tempo with incredible accuracy, grounding the song as the guitars create a harmonic structure that is captivating and calming. This fusion of beat and tune creates the atmosphere for the experience that “Amy” guides its audience through.
Duval’s vocals seamlessly blend with the instrumentation as they come in at the 20-second mark. His relaxed and dreamy vocal delivery perfectly complements the laid-back nature of the music. The song gains additional depth from its lyrics, which touch upon themes of imagination and the desire to break free. Duval’s expertise in neuropsychiatry shines through in his poetic style, exploring the intricacies of the human mind. The description vividly illustrates someone using their imagination to escape from facing the fears of reality. This topic is timeless and universal, deeply connecting with people from all backgrounds.
As the song reaches the 59-second mark, a change in energy can be observed. Both the singing and the background music grow stronger, adding a feeling of importance to the song. Duval’s skill in guiding the emotional journey of the song captivates and involves listeners, showcasing a dynamic transformation. The increased intensity in this part brings to mind the fierce energy seen in traditional rock anthems, prompting parallels to the music of Lou Reed and Jimi Hendrix. Duval’s guitar skills stand out, reflecting the passion and skill of these legendary rock musicians.
At 1:37, “Amy” goes back to its relaxed vibe, displaying Duval’s skill in manipulating volume. Returning to the calm pace again gives a feeling of equilibrium and flow, enabling the audience to distinguish between the various parts of the track. Duval’s compositional skills are evidenced by the smooth transitions between these dynamic shifts. He skillfully maneuvers the ups and downs of the track, making sure every shift in energy is seamless and intentional. The constant energy is what drives “Amy” forward and holds the audience’s attention throughout.
The instrumentation in “Amy” Is distinguished by each component adding to the complete soundscape. The guitars provide a strong base with catchy melodies, complemented by groovy bass lines. The drums, played with incredible accuracy, contribute a level of fervor that drives the song forward. Duval showcases his talent with multiple instruments, seamlessly blending them to craft a cohesive and captivating track. The recording, overseen by Alexandros Chrysidis at Sierra Studios in Athens, Greece, guarantees that every element is refined to excellence, creating a deeply engaging and sonically lush outcome.
Ultimately, “Amy” skillfully combines classic psychedelic rock with contemporary elements, highlighting Fabrice Duval’s exceptional abilities as a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and lyricist. This song showcases Duval’s talent in combining his medical knowledge with his love for music, creating a track that is both engaging and thought-provoking. By combining vibrant instrumentation, powerful lyrics, and intricate themes, “Amy” stands out as a single that not only brings back the essence of classic rock but also propels the genre into fresh and thrilling realms. Make sure to listen to this song!
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