SkyCall, a dynamic rock band hailing from Colmar, France, was founded in 2019 by Fabrice Duval and Luc Erwin, former members of the group Tax Free. Driven by a shared passion for old-school rock and the desire to explore new creative horizons, Duval and Erwin, alongside drummer Didier Hoffmann, formed a band that would soon make waves in the local rock scene. Hoffmann’s tenure as the drummer ended in 2021, when Amanda S. stepped in, adding a fresh pulse to the group’s sound. As a day-time psychiatrist and nighttime rock enthusiast, Fabrice Duval’s dual identity has always informed his music, offering a unique blend of psychological depth and unbridled rock energy.
SkyCall was not just a band; it was a vision—a way for Duval and his collaborators to channel their thoughts and reflections on the modern world through the raw and uncompromising energy of rock. However, in 2023, SkyCall faced a turning point. The band members chose to pursue individual paths, leading to an amicable split. This parting of ways allowed Duval to dive deeper into his personal creative ambitions. He took it upon himself to finalize SkyCall’s planned LP, crafting and refining each of the nine tracks alone. This new phase of SkyCall became a solo endeavor, with Duval taking full control—performing every instrument, arranging, composing, and pouring his soul into each track.
Mastering his work at Sierra Studios in Athens under the expert hands of Alexandros Chrysidis, Duval remained determined to stay true to SkyCall’s rock roots while engaging with the pressing realities of the modern world. The project’s continuity is proof of his persistence and dedication to the craft, bringing his dual passions as a psychiatrist and a musician into harmonious dialogue.
On October 31st, 2024, Fabrice Duval released a new SkyCall single, “Stop Living With Closed Eyes,” a track that promises to be both a sonic thrill and a call to awareness. With roots firmly planted in energetic old-school rock, the song combines classic influences with a sharp commentary on today’s world, challenging listeners to break free from societal constraints and open their eyes to reality. The track’s title encapsulates its core message: it’s a rallying cry against conformity, urging listeners to reject a system driven by power and money, and to reclaim their freedom. With its unforgettable grooves, electrifying guitar riffs, and a sense of cinematic intensity, “Stop Living With Closed Eyes” is set to be more than just a song—it’s an anthem of resistance and liberation for a world that feels increasingly suffocated by control.
From the very first note, “Stop Living With Closed Eyes” by SkyCall announces itself as a powerhouse of modern rock with deep, thematic undertones. The song begins with a cinematic intensity that immediately grabs the listener’s attention, evoking a sense of anticipation and adrenaline. The introduction features an unconventional yet captivating blend of bass and electric guitar, executed in a pattern that feels like a deliberate and suspenseful pause and release. This tension is accentuated by percussive elements that lace the opening, setting the stage for the track’s unfolding drama. The dynamic soundscape invites the listener into a narrative that promises to be both thrilling and profound, hinting that this is no ordinary rock song—it’s a statement.
The song truly comes alive at the five-second mark, where the composition escalates into a powerful rock arrangement. At this moment, the listener is pulled into a whirlwind of sound, with deep, resonating bass melodies and guitar riffs that electrify the senses. This transition is marked by a surge in energy, as the drum groove kicks in with commanding authority, grounding the track with a solid rhythmic base. The song’s midtempo pace gives it an anthemic quality, making it both intense and accessible, while the addition of subtle synth layers adds a contemporary edge to its classic rock foundation. It’s clear that Duval’s careful attention to arrangement pays off, as each element finds its place within the broader sonic landscape.
The track’s unique blend of old-school rock and modern sensibilities creates a soundscape that feels both familiar and fresh. It draws on the raw energy that characterized classic rock while infusing it with a contemporary urgency that reflects today’s world. The song’s construction is akin to the progression of a narrative arc in an action film—it has moments of suspense, tension, and exhilarating release, all seamlessly tied together by the rich instrumentation. This cinematic quality is further enhanced by the use of repetition, where certain motifs resurface throughout the track, lending it a cohesive, almost hypnotic vibe.
At the heart of “Stop Living With Closed Eyes” is Fabrice Duval’s vocal performance, which anchors the song with a mix of maturity and emotional resonance. His voice, both commanding and warm, glides effortlessly over the instrumental backdrop, delivering each line with conviction. There’s a richness to his vocal tone that enhances the song’s thematic depth, particularly as the lyrics challenge listeners to wake up from a state of passivity and see the world as it truly is. As the track progresses, moments of double-tracking add a layered complexity to Duval’s voice, emphasizing the emotional peaks of the song and giving it a fuller, more resonant sound.
One of the song’s standout features is its consistency. Despite maintaining a steady groove throughout, the track never feels repetitive or dull. Each verse, chorus, and instrumental break is crafted with intention, ensuring that the song remains engaging from start to finish. The consistent bassline, paired with the driving drumbeat, creates a rhythm that feels almost hypnotic, drawing the listener deeper into the song’s emotional core. It’s this balance of consistency and dynamism that makes “Stop Living With Closed Eyes” such an infectious listen—there’s always something new to discover in each layer of the track.
The instrumentation deserves special praise, particularly the guitar work that dominates the song’s sonic palette. The riffs are electrifying, filled with raw energy and a sense of rebellion that aligns perfectly with the song’s theme. They propel the track forward, serving as both a focal point and a bridge between the song’s various sections. The guitars here are not just an accompaniment; they tell a story of their own, echoing the call for liberation that the lyrics suggest. Each riff feels purposeful, contributing to the overall narrative of the song, and they stand out as one of the most memorable elements of the composition.
Thematically, “Stop Living With Closed Eyes” is a critique of a society blinded by power and materialism. The lyrics are a call to action, urging listeners to resist the forces that seek to control and manipulate, and to reclaim their autonomy. The song taps into a deep-seated frustration with a world governed by capitalism and superficial values, yet it does so without slipping into despair. Instead, the song feels like a rallying cry—a motivational anthem that encourages its audience to find freedom through awareness and self-determination. This combination of musical power and thematic relevance makes the track resonate on a deeper level, speaking to a universal desire for authenticity and meaning.
Overall, “Stop Living With Closed Eyes” is a triumphant return for Fabrice Duval under the SkyCall banner. With a contemporary touch that gives it a sense of urgency and necessity, the song combines the greatest elements of classic rock with a profoundly personal and universally relevant message. In today’s rock environment, the single stands out due to its captivating vocals, skillfully composed accompaniment, and catchy groove. This track, which demonstrates that rock still has the ability to elicit strong feelings and encourage change, is a must-listen for everyone looking for music that not only challenges and inspires but also entertains.
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