5 In The Sky – Nothing Lasts Forever (Album Review)

Veteran jazz artist and multi-instrumentalist Paul Kneevers returns with a deeply textured, genre blending album under the moniker 5 In The Sky, titled Nothing Lasts Forever. It’s a bold, exploratory work from a musician who’s spent decades carving out his sound; from South Milwaukee’s 1970s music scene to late night club gigs at age 14 and years in the studio refining other artists’ visions. Drawing on influences like Emerson, Lake & Palmer, King Crimson, and jazz icons like Jimmy Smith and Stevie Wonder, this album is both a love letter to the past and a dive into sonic experimentation.

Crafted slowly over time, beginning during the quiet of the 2020 lockdown, Nothing Lasts Forever is steeped in personal history, introspection, and a clear passion for instrumental storytelling. Kneevers blends piano, electric guitar, modular synthesis, and saxophone into a fluid, emotive journey.

The album opens with 22 Degrees Below, a confident stride led by electric guitar and vocals that evoke classic 80s rock energy. The guitar solo is a standout; clean, expressive, and timeless. It’s a track that invites daily replay without losing its charm.

10,000 Feet In The Sky pushes into more atmospheric territory. With layered vocals and a synth driven melody, it feels like a dreamscape, futuristic yet retro, a sonic fit for a neon lit car chase through a rainy Hong Kong night.

Secrets Make The World Go Round leans into a slightly psychedelic jazz-rock space. The piano and guitar interplay brings to mind the expansive moods of Pink Floyd, with a message as simple as its title. The lyrics take a back seat here; the true voice of the song lies in the instruments.

Time Keeps Slippin By stands out as a clear favourite for me. While still lyrically minimal, it weaves together piano, saxophone, and layered arrangements in a way that feels deeply emotional and grounded. The saxophone, subtle yet essential, gently carries the track’s core.

If This Is A Movie shifts gears slightly. It’s hypnotic and meditative, though perhaps a touch repetitive. Nonetheless, it introduces listeners to a style not often heard in mainstream jazz-rock and may serve as a gateway for new fans of the genre.

I’m All Maxxed Out dips into a darker tonal space. It’s less impactful than previous tracks, feeling more like a transition piece. While not weak by any means, it doesn’t add new elements to the album’s palette. Waylaid Again fully embraces this darkness. Haunting and sparse, it’s a track best experienced in solitude, headphones on, lights off. It’s cinematic in the way it creates space and tension.

Finally, Nothing Lasts Forever, the title track, is a perfect encapsulation of the album’s spirit. With smooth jazz piano, modular synths, lyrical simplicity, and slick guitar lines, it distils everything Kneevers has been building toward. It’s a swirling, electric closing statement that’s both melancholic and hopeful.

Nothing Lasts Forever is more than an album; it’s a mosaic of sound and memory, stitched together with decades of musicianship. Kneevers isn’t trying to impress with flashy lyrics or trendy hooks. Instead, he creates a textured, mood driven journey where the instruments do the talking. It’s an album that rewards close listening and opens up more with each spin.

Score/Excellent: If you’re new to jazz fusion, progressive rock, or anything in between, this might just be your gateway. For longtime fans of the genre, it’s a refreshing return to musicianship over gimmick. Nothing lasts forever, but albums like this remind us why the music still matters while it does.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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