Stavesacre is a five-piece California band that's released a handful of albums in the last six years. "Live From Deep Ellum" is their first live EP and their first release on XS Records.
It's hard to describe Stavesacre, but the band mixes elements of grunge and heavy alternative rock into one sound. Typically, fans of Stavesacre are also usually fans of Embodyment.
As far as live albums go, the irony is that the more "live" the sound is the less it sounds like a polished recording. "Live From Deep Ellum" is a "live" album in the true sense of the word. It is fairly raw, which is not pretty but gives the impression of what it's like to be at a Stavesacre show.
The EP includes live renditions of probably the five best songs off of "Speakeasy," as well as a demo of "Witch Trial," which is featured on Stavesacre's latest self-titled CD. Although there are not any horrible tracks on the disc, some of these songs have been recorded once or twice before and honestly the songs probably sound better in the studio.
People who are inclined to buy this are probably huge Stavesacre fans, but moderate fans have no reason to buy it. The reason is because EPs are generally over-priced and usually disappointing, as are live albums. "Live From Deep Ellum" is a decent CD, but far from Stavesacre's best.
C+
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #97Reviewed by Jeffrey EllingerLive At Deep Ellum has a mere six tracks, so don't expect a full concert when you buy this album, and you probably shouldn't expect the best from Stavesacre, either. Each live track is from Speakeasy, and the sixth is a new studio one called "Witch Trial." The live tracks are recorded well, and the instruments have a solid mix, except for the first track, which seems to catch the sound-guy off…Similar sounding releases
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