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It's safe to say that modern rock has, for quite some time now, had a
vacancy of quality songwriting and talented musicians. Individuals claiming
to be songwriters have little or nothing at all to say. Rock music, at one
time a haven from the artificiality of mass marketed pop music, has been
thrown into a melting pot with all other musical genres leaving of fans
feeling abandoned.
The now twisted definition of rock has turned away hundreds of
disappointed fans. But, who said the norm of all present rock music lies in
empty lyrics, unoriginal riffs and a lack of melodies?
Meet Stereomud, originally named Amazing Disgrace, five true songwriters
and musicians in the purest form. Loud Records' first rock act, Stereomud
provide a fiery dosage of modern metal that hasn't sounded this authentic and
pissed off in a very long time.
Their major label-debut, Perfect Self is full of memorable riffs,
genuine deep vocals and straight up rock. As the band rips through each track
on their album, one can't help but notice a striking resemblance to the likes
of Sevendust and Life of Agony.
What makes Perfect Self separate from most other current band debuts is
the fine balance each song provides between melody and aggression. This band
is clearly going against the plethora of rap/metal, and their debut boldly
shows them as innovators, not imitators.
Frontman, Erik's heavy yet polished vocals contrast perfectly with his
melodic croons that are sure to grab listeners' attention. The band's ensured
well-rounded vocal attacks play off the guitars vicious riffs that are full
of intensity. Bass playing creates the clear tight rhythm and proves to be
extremely substantial to the band's sound.
Perfect Self is undeniably a project reflecting off a group effort.
Bassist Corey Lowery is a significant influence on Stereomud's lyrics, and
the band as a whole come from a rich composing past. Admittedly, the band has
a lot of past musical influences, with bassist Corey Lowery of Stuck Mojo and
the brother of Clint Lowery of Sevendust. Guitarist Joey Z and drummer Dan
Richardson continue to have a place in the hearts of the fans in the
metal/hardcore scene, having been members of the memorable New York band Life
of Agony.
Even with all these connections, Stereomud have enough personality and
originality to stand out in the mass. The songs' lyrics hit close to home
and the fluctuating dynamics accent the album's duration.
However, as a whole the group doesn't offer much in terms of drastic
variation causing the overall song continuity to possess a weighing dullness
that overshadows many of the guitar's compelling moments. Most evident, after
a few spins of the album, is the apparent lack of experimentation in the bass
playing
that seems primarily focused on following the guitars and drums.
But don't be mistaken, by the sounds of their debut album it seems
Stereomud may stay around for quite a while. Without a doubt, this band
definitely possesses the potential to go places. With a solid rock album
debut, Stereomud seem to have only gotten started on their promising journey.
Throughout "Perfect Self", they build up a sense of intrigue, of both
charm and infection, that carries on until the closing song. A band like this
will only progress with each successive album. Perhaps they will take their
beautifully vicious sound and expand on their eventual sophomore album.
Anna Maria Andriotis is contributing writer. Contact her at staindkiss@aol.com.
