Dear listener and reader of Soundville, I invite you to join me on a journey through the unique universe of the album “Skywatcher” by Floating Worlds. But before we embark on this sci-fi adventure with Floating Worlds, I’d like to share a bit of backstory so we don’t get lost among the stars. Floating Worlds have been on the music scene since 1998. The band is made up of Jon Soti on vocals and backing vocals, Andreas V handling guitars, synths, and drum programming, and Mike Papadopoulos on bass guitar (plus guitars on “Nostalgic Alleys”).

Floating Worlds have come a long way to release their new album “Skywatcher,” and they’ve already secured a strong position in the industry. Their history spans four albums, singles, tours, and a vibrant presence on social media. Not to mention, their collection of music videos on YouTube is truly impressive. However, what strikes me the most is their drive to push beyond what they’ve already achieved.

In “Skywatcher,” Floating Worlds experiments with their style, shifting direction toward an 80s synth-pop-rock sound. This choice was tied to the concept of the new album, which is based on real events.

At the heart of the concept is a boy named Winston Smith, who lost his father during a secret operation on the legendary battleship Oceania. The mysterious death of his father, unconfirmed by any clear evidence, sparked Winston Smith’s imagination. He grabbed a telescope and a radio and set off to search for his father among the stars. Gives you chills, doesn’t it? He kept a diary and fully devoted himself to this mission. Sadly, it all ended tragically.

Winston Smith disappeared without a trace one cold autumn night. He was never found, but journalist Paul Rogers, who covered the case well into his old age, could never forget Winston Smith and his tragic fate. This is where the album “Skywatcher” begins. In their new release, Floating Worlds breathes new life into Winston Smith, telling the story of his journey through the stars, to other planets and tales, much like what we see in sci-fi movies or literature.

To capture the atmospheric concept of the release, Floating Worlds turned to retro-futuristic synthesizers, groovy guitars, the 80s vibe, and, most importantly, vivid lyrics and album artwork. By the way, the cover was designed by Kostas Tsiakos and George Papadakis, and it plays a major role in the album’s essence. The hand-drawn cover looks to me like a poster for an epic film, one I suggest you start playing in your headphones right now as you follow Winston Smith on his adventure!

From the very first track, “Strange Kid,” the vibrant retro atmosphere, unstoppable rhythm, and powerful vocals will sweep away any trace of melancholy. The impeccable groove, strong performance, and stellar rock vocals signal that we’re in for an absolute thrill ride! Through the lyrics, you’ll get to know the story more closely, which, for me, creates a light feeling of a synth-rock opera with a sci-fi flair.

“Parade,” with its deep ambient intro and classic retro drums, gives the sensation of drifting into deep space, while the excellent guitars add passion and intensity to the adventure. You can close your eyes and picture it all unfolding. You’ll experience a remarkable audio-visual journey that you won’t find in any other album. I’m thrilled by the flawless rock vocals, at times open and free, at others strong and sharp, like starlight. Without a doubt, the choice of style and genre makes this album stand out. I love how in tracks like “Ignorance Goodbye” and “Hello from out There,” the bright retro synth pads and solid rock take center stage, transforming the atmosphere. “Ignorance Goodbye” is a powerful anthem of strength and ambition, igniting the space with fiery sound and stylish drums. Meanwhile, “Hello from out There” is an absolutely cinematic track, with a subtle FM radio wave sound between beats. It’s become my favorite on the release. The complex and harmonious arrangement, featuring a variety of instruments, styles, and flawless production, makes you want to crank up the volume and sway to the beat. And that slightly distorted message coming through the FM signal? It’s a brilliant touch!

Get ready to lose yourself in the sound with “Lost.” The masterful intro with shimmering pads dissolving into the vast space perfectly captures the feeling of being lost. I love how Floating Worlds plays with mood, structures, and styles, guiding listeners through the many trials Winston Smith faces in space. This is reflected in the shifting tone and vocals. Here, the vocals are light and stretched out, with an almost pop-like softness, yet they never lose their strength. I’m obsessed!

The central track, “Skywatcher,” is one of the strongest on the release, with its steady sound, dense atmosphere, and absolutely fantastic intro. To me, this track feels like an epic, a molten mix of fire and energy. The incredible structure, vibrant keys, powerful drums, and flawless vocals create the atmosphere of a grand, unforgettable space show.

The album’s closing track, the instrumental epic “Extraterrestrial,” leaves a gentle feeling of sadness and melancholy. Yet in the soft keys and strings, there’s a sense that hope is still alive, and Winston Smith’s story finds immortality in the hearts and minds of listeners. You felt that too, didn’t you?

Hey, Floating Worlds! Thank you for creating such a conceptual and unique sound. I’m absolutely blown away by how you managed to capture the feeling of adventure in the album, and how polished and aesthetically retro-rock the sound is. It’s beyond amazing, you know? There’s so much effort, energy, and passion here that I can’t even put it into words. If you had any doubts don’t listen to them. This is an outstanding album, and I’ve never heard anything quite like it. I really hope to hear much more from you in the future. I’ll be sharing this release with all my friends. I like it! (a vinyl with this cover art and content is a must-have for any true music lover’s collection.)

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YouTube @FloatingWorldsband