THE SKIES OF AMERICA 
ALLMUSIC review, 2006 

One gets the feeling that The Skies Of America wouldn't mind at all seeing a list of influences alongside their own name. After all, what self-respecting alt-pop band would balk at being tossed into the same bin as Cheap Trick, Crowded House, T. Rex, Squeeze, Small Faces, Mick Ronson, Badfinger (whose "Come and Get It" they cover faithfully and commendably), Rockpile, the Raspberries, Oasis, a little bit of Who and, really, peak-era Peter Frampton, whose voice Skies' founding singer/guitarist/bassist/pianist Rob Bonfiglio (formerly of '90s rockers Wanderlust) occasionally resembles. 
The appropriately titled Shine percolates with chunky guitar chords and piercing leads, Mike Fisher's swirling keys (from B-3 to Moog) and stately cello, layered vocals and lockstep classic rock rhythms. But more than anything it delivers tightly structured, deliciously hooky, ultra-melodic pop songs that sound at once cozily familiar and refreshingly fresh. Formerly called Better Days, the The Skies Of America are proudly positive at a time when the mope is king, but not in a goopy sort of way: Dig a little beneath the surface and you're likely to find things aren't always so shiny. If classic rock radio wasn't all but dead, the only difficulties DJs would have would be deciding which of these effusively powerhouse mini-anthems not to play.
 
released 21 October 2006

Move!

MEA CULPA, the new album by gifted singer/songwriter Rob Bonfiglio, is a dazzling musical tour-de-force unified by themes of regret, redemption and love.
Following Bonfiglio's 2006 release "Shine" (as 'The Skies Of America') and 2009's all-solo endeavor "Bring On The Happy", MEA CULPA was produced, engineered and recorded by Bonfiglio at home.  He’s a veritable one-man band, playing all the instruments, following in the grand D.I.Y. tradition of artists like Paul McCartney, Todd Rundgren and Prince. And like those artists, he’s pulled off a mighty difficult trick, delivering a cohesive and dynamic sound full of wily invention and innovation.

“Spread the message, the message is love…”

Opening with the anthemic “The Message”, a jubilant ode to wide-eyed positivity and the all-encompassing power of pure love, MEA CULPA embraces a confluence of styles and textures, ranging from muscular hard driving rock, incandescent pop, Philly soul and slinky jazz. Powered by a circular guitar riff and blasts of wheezy Dylan-inflected harmonica, with its plea of “live for today” “Eyes on the Prize” declares its pointed lyrical intent, echoing a common thread that weaves throughout the entire record with a recommitment to what really matters. 

The insanely catchy “Text Me” follows, bursting out of the speakers like warm sunshine after thirty days of rain, its infectious chorus celebrating the tools of social media for making a love connection against a backdrop of angular guitars, swirling synths and buoyant harmonies.
 
“No more wasted opportunity” pledges Bonfiglio on the soul searching “Hold on Tight”, a deft marriage of intimate acoustic and electric textures and soaring Hammond organ hard wired to reflective lyrics expressing the desire to be a better man.
 
The sublime ballad, “Fooled Myself” offers a refreshing change of pace from the album’s rhythmic intensity. Rising jangly piano chords, expressive vocals and tranquil harmonies add to the song’s intimacy, which sports a magnificent slide guitar solo that would surely bring a wide smile to George Harrison’s face. The jazzy “Real Love” shows off the artist’s stylistic versatility and also allows him to demonstrate his impressive chops on the six-string. A native of Philadelphia, Rob’s musical roots shine on this track, its silky smooth soul contours rendering an affectionate homage to Philly International’s classic hits of the ‘70s. 

Balancing his career as a solo artist, Bonfiglio is a busy man. He’s the musical leader & guitarist of multi-platinum pop trio, Wilson Phillips (producing their 2012 Sony Masterworks release 'Dedicated"), a member of California Saga, a new musical outfit comprising the offspring of The Beach Boys and is back with acclaimed power pop practitioners, Wanderlust, whose RCA Records debut reaped raves in Billboard. As a songwriter, he’s enjoyed multiple successes with his songs featured prominently in numerous TV shows and films. 

Vulnerable, reflective and soul searching, MEA CULPA is the confident work of an artist comfortable in his own skin.  Make no mistake, when it comes to this extraordinary and accomplished release, no mea culpa will be necessary. 

For more information:

Damask Records
Galaxy1999@aol.com


OVER

singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer.  I play guitar with Wilson Phillips and many others, too.

Move!

Rob Bonfiglio

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