Sabbatical Year, the much buzzed-about Atlanta-based piano rock band, have just released their second album SY2. The follow-up to the band’s self-titled record in 2014, SY2 adds luscious layers of captivating and heartfelt rock while showcasing the band’s songwriting and soundscape at new heights.

BIOGRAPHY

Formed in 2013, founding members Nick Margiasso (lead vocals/percussion) and Drew Norris (piano/guitar/vocals) turned the remnants of a previous band into a two-piece indie rock outfit called Sabbatical Year. Building upon early buzz for the group’s first few songs, the band looked to fill out its lineup by adding Justin Sperrazza (bass/guitar/vocals) and later Devon Norris (drums).

Sabbatical Year toured and built an enthusiastic global following. The band’s energetic and thoughtful take on a piano rock ‘n’ roll set up piqued listeners interests and led the band to get into the studio again in Fall 2014 to create what would become SY2.

MUSIC

With a soulful and sweet sound harkening back to Elton John and Billy Joel and reminiscent of modern piano-rock masters Ben Folds and Coldplay, Sabbatical Year puts its piano proudly at the fore.

On SY2, that sound is sonically enriched by the addition of guitars, pedals, brass and intriguing percussive elements that bring the musical narrative to a truly heightened level.

SY2’s two singles epitomize the band at it’s best. Mulberry Grove is a roller coaster of funky keys, soulful vocals and a driving rhythm section that kicks off the journey that is SY2. Lookout Mountain is a soaring ballad that sways in a dance of piano and a lockstep rhythm section until it is driven home with yearning vocals and guitar riffs. Along with tunes such as the updated Motown sound on Drakeside, as well as the somber‐come-searing piano/acoustic revelation that is Something To Fall Asleep To, and what you have is one true experience of an album.

SY2 is a journey that stands on the shoulders of its rock ’n’ roll elders and carries the baton of piano-fronted rock musicians to new places. It is a sound earnest and endearing while also hip-shakingly soulful. More pointedly, it is one musical trip you do not want to miss.

MUSIC VIDEOS

Mulberry Grove:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd6w5bA3Mik

Lookout Mountain:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vc0TRNaRfw