Back in 2004, Neurodisc Records introduced us to the world of the Ryan Farish courtesy of his album Beautiful. Now Ryan is faced with the audacious task of avoiding the sophomore jinx that curses even the most talented artists. The initial impressions heard on From The Sky gives every indication that this artist has avoided such a plague. Meanwhile, he continues to expand his musical range by adding organic nuances that were generally missing from his impressive debut.

While this album is grounded in the characteristics common to Farish courtesy of swirling keyboard arrangements backed by exotic pulsating percussion work with its rhythmic driving bass lines, the artist also decided to extend himself with addition musical exploration. No better place to start than the opening track “The Promise” that institutes the use of eccentric worldly chants reminiscent of vocalist Miriam Stockley. The album also closes out with the very upbeat and jolly “Rejoice” that musically lives up to its namesake. This too includes African style chants that beckon and call out to you much like the merriment of “Joy”.

But if you would prefer to listen to the genesis of Farish skip forward to the very familiar themes found on “Legacy”. The track includes the angelic voice sampling intertwined with the powerful keyboard arrangements that Farish is becoming well known for. Perhaps the angelic “Living Water” will quench your thirst. Nice additions include some nominal acoustic guitar and flute work the latter being an organic sample manipulated into the track.

In contrast, the lazy but lush “Pacific Wind” voyages into mid tempo mellow madness, as does “Carried By The Wind”. Commercially, “Pacific Wind” probably has the greatest appeal, which include vocal mantras countered by celestial cello work. However, the most reflective moment can be heard on the title track. Much like “Letting Go (Interlude)” from his freshman effort, “From The Sky” provides the album with its most macrobiotic memoir. It would only benefit the artist to have more mellow minimalist moments to add greater variety to Ryan’s recording process.

Speaking of the technological process, much like Beautiful, From The Sky is well produced by Ryan himself which only adds to his credibility as a well-rounded artist. Whether the album title is a tribute to the origins of this artist’s early exposure as a soundtrack on many local weather stations or his further freedom of musical expression, either way the additional exploration exudes excitement and energy. That said, this album strongly suggests that skies are the limit for this up and coming artist.