Stone Axe, for the uninitiated,
is a classic rock band helmed by multi-instrumentalist Tony Reed and lead
vocalist Dru Brinkerhoff. They haven’t had a release in over a decade. Come
March 18, Ripple Music will unleash their latest, Stay of Execution, a collection of hidden gems, oddities, and
unreleased recordings. Make no mistake though, this set of songs forms a very
cohesive album, and a tremendous one at that.
Recorded between 2008 and 2011,
one could easily be fooled into thinking some of these songs were recorded in
the ‘70s. Very few bands can pull off that genuine classic rock sound to
perfection the way Stone Axe does. If you’re a fan of Thin Lizzy, Free, late ‘70s/early
’80s Whitesnake back when they used to make some rock n’ blues, then I
guarantee you that this album will make you jump for joy. “Fell on Deaf Ears” instantly
takes you back in time for this barn-burner of an opener. It features an awesome
guitar solo to boot! “Lady Switchblade”, this one has it all: a slower-paced track
with a catchy chorus and beats that’ll leave their imprint on your mind. “Sweet
Sweet Time” is a bluesy number with soulful lyrics, heart-thumping drums, classic
keys, and weeping guitars. “Deep Blue”, another slower cut, poetic and
evocative with a gorgeous guitar serenade. “Metal Damage” has got a
head-bobbing riff with traditional rock n’ roll lyrics. Effective and the very definition
of a short & sweet song. “For All Who Fly” is my favorite song on this marvellous
LP. Zeppelinesque at times, with absolutely beautiful lyrics, a good mix of acoustic
and electric guitars, and also reminiscent of the Black Crowes. “King of
Everything” is deeply rooted in ‘70s classic rock and is another gem of a song.
“The Last Setting Sun” is a farewell song of sorts. The lengthiest track at
nearly eight minutes, it’s the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. An epic song
and the strongest of the record.
I will spoil my picks for year-end list of best albums by saying that Stone Axe’s Stay of Execution will undoubtedly have its place in the top five. I really hope Tony and Dru consider teaming up again for another Stone Axe album in the near future; this is just too great a collaboration to be their last. A stellar record in every aspect that feels more like a hits package than an oddities collection. For all of you classic rock lovers out there, this one’s for you!
Stone Axe’s Bandcamp page: https://stoneaxe.bandcamp.com/
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