Members
Select a Crack the Sky band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Crack the Sky is an American rock band known for their eclectic blend of progressive rock, art rock, new wave, and funk. Originating from Weirton, West Virginia, the group was formed in the early 1970s and has seen various lineup changes over the decades. The core members have included John Palumbo (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Rick Witkowski (guitar), with a rotating cast of musicians contributing to their dynamic sound. Crack the Sky's music is characterized by complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics, appealing to fans of both progressive and art rock genres.
How to Sound Like Crack the Sky
Crack the Sky's sonic landscape is a tapestry of intricate guitar work and lush keyboard textures, creating a sound that is both melodic and rhythmically complex. Their music often features layered guitar harmonies and syncopated rhythms, achieved through the use of analog effects and dynamic amplifiers. The band's versatile use of acoustic and electric instruments, including the integration of acoustic guitars and pianos, adds depth to their compositions. Percussion in their tracks strikes a balance between precision and fluidity, often underpinning the intricate arrangements with a steady yet dynamic beat. To capture their sound, musicians might explore the interplay between rich harmonic content and tight rhythmic structures, employing a mix of clean and overdriven tones to convey both energy and emotion.
Discography
Crack The Sky
1975
Animal Notes
1976
Safety In Numbers
1978
World in Motion 1
1983
The End
1984
Raw
1986
White Music
1988
From the Greenhouse
1989
Dog City
1990
Cut
1998
Live (Recher Theater 6.19.99)
2000
Ghost
2001
Dogs From Japan
2004
Alive And Kickin' A**
2006
Safety In Numbers - 21st Century Redux - Featuring John Palumbo
2007
The Sale
2007
Machine
2010
Ostrich
2012
Crack the Sky: Live at the Warner Theater
2013
The Beauty of Nothing
2015
Crackology
2018
Living In Reverse
2018
Between the Cracks
2021
From the Wood
2023
Live First Album (2025)
2025
Blessed
2025