Album Review: Stone Axe - Stay of Execution
Reviewed by Matthew Williams
If your feet aren’t tapping and head isn’t rocking from the intro of the first song 'Fell on Deaf Ears', then we simply can’t be friends anymore, because from the off, this is seriously kick ass stuff from hard rockers Stone Axe. When Mos Generator’s Tony Reed side project appeared is brought along some dirty 70’s inspired groovy riffs and delivered some damn fine solid songs.
'Stay of Execution' is a collection of unreleased recordings and tracks that were hidden in the grooves of vinyl, all recorded between 2008 and 2011, covering several genres, but all inspired by the 70’s vibe. The wonderfully kind people at the excellent Ripple Music, have now released them for the masses to enjoy over and over again.
Stone Axe were formed in 2007, in Washington, when the awesomely talented multi-instrumentalist Tony Reed got together with Dru Brinkerhoff, whose soaring vocals just fitted perfectly with the composition, and they created songs that are just sublime. Think Free. Think Cream. Think Thin Lizzy, and you get the spirit of what Stone Axe are all about. When you listen to tracks like 'Sweet Sweet Blue' and 'Deep Blue' you just can’t help but close your eyes and imagine you are floating on the clouds high above the sky as it brings an air of tranquillity
Then they ramp up a few notches with the stunning 'Metal Damage' which is a kick ass bluesy rock and roll song, with Reed bringing a bit of early AC/DC to the proceedings, and the vocals are the perfect accompaniment to the rhythm, and it’s almost as if they are bringing your heroes music back to life, but with their own unique style.
The pace changes again with 'For All Who', it’s a song that immediately makes me feel about being next to a roaring fire with friends just jamming in the midnight air, with a bottle of whisky being passed around, Brinkerhoff’s vocals are just ridiculously good and this song showcases his range perfectly. The album is rounded up with 'King Of Everything' and 'The Last Setting Sun' and both are beautiful slabs of joyous times, that will remind people of happier memories and what fun might lay ahead in the future.
'Stay of Execution' is a collection of songs that celebrates music, and with Reed and Brinkerhoff, both demonstrating that when its done as effortlessly as this, music can be both beautiful and awe-inspiring.
