Okay, listen up—if you’re over the age of 25 and trying to make sense of life while casually spiraling in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible, you need to add Master Plan by Skyfactor to your “main character energy but make it lowkey” playlist IMMEDIATELY.
This album is chef’s kiss for late-night drives, coffee shop moments, and the kind of introspective Tuesdays where you’re thinking about that one text you never sent.
URL: https://www.skyfactormusic.com/
So here’s the vibe: Skyfactor is a NYC-based band made up of four guys—Bob Ziegler on vocals, Jason Taylor on guitar, Jon Rubin on guitar, Cliff Rubin on bass, and Jason Taylor on drums—who give major “I’ve been through it, but I’m healing” energy. They’re not trying to be TikTok-famous or viral—they’re making real music with actual soul. Yes, that still exists!
Master Plan starts off with “Help You Believe”—and the title kind of says it all. It’s like someone reaching out and reminding you you’re not a failure just because life isn’t going according to schedule. Chill guitar, warm vocals, zero drama. It’s that first sip of hot tea for your brain.
Then you get “Something Good” and “There Will Be Us,” which sound like the emotional arc of a situationship that almost worked out—but you’re not bitter, you’re just… processing. The lyrics hit, but the band never goes over-the-top dramatic. It’s controlled, thoughtful, like journaling with a guitar.
And can we talk about “Streets of New York”? It’s giving hometown nostalgia meets cinematic soundtrack. The way they write about NYC doesn’t feel flashy—it’s personal, like it actually means something to them. There’s even a moment where you can practically hear a cab honking in the background (not really, but you feel it lol).
BUY THE RECORD: https://vintagevinyl.com/UPC/784668898765
The title track “Master Plan”? Whew. That one’s deep. Not sad, not happy—just honest. It’s for those “what am I doing with my life” spirals, but somehow comforting. Like, “You don’t have the answers? Same. Let’s vibe.”
Late-album bops like “Set Out North,” “Airport,” and “Down The Road” are total indie-film-montage material. Especially “Airport”—that one feels like the moment in a movie where the lead finally lets go of the past and walks into the next chapter (cue emotional but hopeful instrumental breakdown).
If you like Mt. Joy, Gregory Alan Isakov, or chill Hozier tracks, you’ll definitely find something to latch onto here.
So yeah—Master Plan is the album equivalent of looking out the window while it rains and feeling okay not having it all figured out yet. Highly recommend for emotional reset weekends or solo grocery store therapy walks.
Skyfactor? Certified vibe. Add to playlist.
Mindy McCall
