SkyCall isn’t just a name. It’s a pulse, a lifeline to the unfiltered heart of rock, where stories weave themselves into guitar riffs, where the melodies echo your deepest emotions. Formed in 2019, by Duval and Luc Erwin, two veterans from the band Tax-Free, SkyCall was more than a group—it was a journey. Their songs have been intimate love letters to the human condition, yet with every release, they push their boundaries. Now, with “Are You Ready Now?” Duval takes the helm solo, but it feels like SkyCall is still fully alive, evolving, and maturing. Harnessing the band’s spirit to craft a kaleidoscopic masterpiece in “Are You Ready Now?” their third single, he invites us into a sonic dreamscape that echoes the wild, unpredictable heart of 1970s psychedelia. But don’t be fooled, this track is more than nostalgia. It’s an emotional exploration of infatuation, commitment, and self-destruction. Are You Ready Now? Let me take you through it!
From the first note, the sweeps you into its embrace. The track begins with a smooth yet simmering instrumental introduction—layered guitars intertwining like silk threads in a breeze, setting the tone with a hypnotic, almost ethereal quality. The bass hums in the background, grounding the ethereal guitars with a steady, insistent rhythm. It’s the kind of opening that lures us into a false sense of calm before the full scope of the song unfurls. The drums come in softly at first, like distant thunder, before building into a confident storm. This buildup feels like the prelude to a film noir story—dark, romantic, and seductive. Just as you’re settling into the groove, Duval’s vocals enter the mix, drenched in an otherworldly reverb that pulls you deeper into the song’s psychedelic core.
Vocally, he offers a performance that sways between detachment and yearning, perfectly capturing the song’s theme of elusive love. His voice is the narrator and the victim, recounting the dangers of falling for a “gamer,” someone whose existence is built on the thrill of the game rather than any genuine connection. He sings with a weathered wisdom, as though he’s lived this story more than once, his delivery tinged with both fascination and frustration. The line “Are you ready now, or are we still pretending?” cuts through like a desperate plea—a search for authenticity in a relationship shrouded in deception. Each word feels deliberate, as though Duval is tracing the outline of a wound, knowing full well it will never heal.
The brilliance of “Are You Ready Now?” lies not only in its musical arrangement but in its narrative depth. The lyrics depict a love affair with a woman who refuses to be pinned down—a metaphor for those who live for the thrill of the chase, unburdened by the consequences. Love is a game to her, and the stakes are high. But for the lovesick man who falls into her trap, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s about the chase, the uncertainty, the madness that comes with it. The metaphor of life as a roulette mat is particularly deep. Duval’s lyrics evoke the image of spinning chances, where nothing is guaranteed, and yet, there’s a magnetic allure in the risk. It’s a dangerous love story that pulls us in only to spit us out.
Instrumentally, “Are You Ready Now?” is a lush soundscape. Duval’s multi-instrumental prowess shines, with each layer feeling like a carefully chosen color in a painter’s palette. The guitar work is impressive, channeling the spirit of Hendrix, with fluid, swirling riffs that bend time and space. There’s a haunting, spiraling guitar motif that repeats throughout the song, echoing the endless cycle of obsession and detachment.
The production, handled by Alexandros Chrysidis at Sierra Studios in Athens, is impeccable. Every element is crisp, from the warmth of the bass to the shimmering echoes of the guitars. It feels vintage and modern, nodding to the 70s without becoming derivative. The space within the track allows each instrument to breathe, and yet it never feels hollow. Instead, there’s a richness to the sound—a fullness that keeps you on the edge of anticipation.
As the song nears its end, Duval unleashes a guitar solo that’s pure fire—a deliberate nod to Hendrix’s legendary performance at Woodstock, which took place 55 years to the day before the single’s release. It’s not just a tribute; it’s a statement. The solo wails and screams, rising in intensity until it feels like the entire song is being consumed by it. In this final moment, the song transcends its themes and becomes something larger—a celebration of rock’s enduring legacy, a reminder of its power to stir the soul and shake the foundations of reality.
Overall, “Are You Ready Now?” is one of SkyCall’s finest works to date—a testament to Fabrice Duval’s ability to fuse the past and present into something deeply personal and yet universally relatable. The track offers a glimpse into the psyche of someone caught in the throes of passion, unsure whether they are being played or playing the game themselves. With its psychedelic flair, raw emotion, and impeccable musicianship, “Are You Ready Now?” is an experience. And the real question isn’t whether the woman in the song is ready—it’s whether you are.
Listen to “Are You Ready Now?” by Skycall on Spotify and let us know your thoughts.
You can follow Skycall here for more information.
