Stone Broken are one of those bands that as soon as you hear the opening vocal of Rich Moss you know who they are. This album is no different in that respect. His distinctive vocal tone and style are evident throughout the album.
The thing that is VERY different in this offering is obvious in the first single, title track ‘Revelation’ that has come from the partnership with Dan Weller (former SikTh guitarist, also known for his work with Enter Shikari, Holding Absence and Bury Tomorrow). It is much darker, not so much pop rock as HARD rock: more granite than sandstone if you like!
The majority of the songs (apart from the obligatory ballad, ‘Me Without You’) are driven by low end basslines and low-end guitar. This is obvious from the off. ‘Black Sunrise’ starts with a distorted acapella vocal then BOSH your ears are attacked by the heavy low end of Kieron Conroy and Chris Davis battered along by probably one of the most animated female drummers Robyn Haycock.
‘The Devil You Know’ is more akin to the other offerings from the band on previous releases, but it is still all low-end stuff. There is more vocal backing from the rest of the band than previously on most of the tracks, but it is a bit more obvious on this track because its not as low end as Black Sunrise. There is a nice guitar solo in the breakdown.
However, this is short lived as ‘Revelation’ is the next track: there is only one word for that track – WoW! Anyone who follows SB will think the same. Where the hell did that techno beat come from? The lyrics say it all: “This could be another revelation”. It sure is!
‘Make It Out Alive’ starts as a quieter track and is the longest on the album at just over five minutes. It’s not long before the low-end grunt starts kicking in after each of the hooklines “Im gonna make it out alive”. The track is a bit “airier” with more vocals from Robyn throughout: another different (and yet similar) track. As mentioned, ‘Me Without You’ is the softer side of Moss and co on this album, with some synth and acoustic guitar carrying it along. Its not quite ‘Wait For You’, but it might make it onto a fan’s wedding event playlist I’m sure.
‘Without A Reason’ is a bit more like the previous SB releases, upbeat with a slightly cleaner guitar mix than the heavier stuff on the album; back to more sandstone than granite I suppose. It is quite catchy and I’m sure the Broken Army will join in on the hook at gigs. ‘Over The Line is also a bit more techno before it’s back to low-end grunt. It reminds me of Shinedown to listen to and I suppose that is an easy comparison as the band are fans of Smith and co.
‘Stronger’ is another ballad and the acoustic guitar and vocals is similar to ‘Wait For You’. It’s another one that is going to connect with fans on different levels. ‘This Revival’ is similar in style to the other tracks on the album: low-end grunt and the distorted backing vocals of Robyn throughout. It is quite catchy, but still SB.
‘So Damn Easy’ is a vocal criticism of anyone who takes a pop at someone in the public eye without consideration of how it can affect the person being attacked. It is a very angry upbeat track, and I can see where the anger comes from. I quite like the track. Well done for writing it, Im sure this will connect with many. Next single maybe?
‘Gimme Some More’ finishes the album in a similar vein to the way it started: low-end guitars and distorted vocals throughout.
Altogether there is some departure from the previous albums ‘All In Time’ and ‘Ain’t Always Easy’, but there is more than enough SB for existing fans to recognize and maybe convert a few en route. Well done Rich, Robyn Chris and Kieron. See you down the front in Cardiff!
- ‘Revelation’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
- Stone Broken kick off their tour later this month:
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