Stonefly
Stonefly
Reviewed by David Bixler
Rocket Dog is a new label, and Stonefly is their first band. So, if you haven't heard of either, then that may be why. I hadn't heard of either, so I was curious to hear what this CD sounded like.
After my first listen, I was at a loss to describe exactly what it sounded like. At times the music reminds me a lot of old PlankEye, at other times the Spin Doctors, and at other times many other bands that I can't quite put a finger on. After a second listen, I wasn't much closer to describing the sound. But after several listens, I realized I was trying to over-analyze the sound, as it is actually quite simple. Primarily, the band makes use of typical punk chord progressions, but in a more modern rock sort of way. There are a few discrepancies from this model, as one song has this jazz thing going, reminding me a lot of Hot Pink Turtle. But, for the most part, a lot of the songs sound like something you might hear on modern rock radio.
Lyrically, the topics range from "safe" songs about girls, to topics like lust, to just an acknowledgment that Jesus is our refuge. Nothing completely new or innovative, but nothing cheesy either.
Overall, I would have to say that this is just an average album. It doesn't invent anything new in the modern rock arena, and it doesn't really step out onto any limbs or take many chances. It is a safe modern rock album, and it is good in its own right, but since there are lots of modern rock bands that are doing more creative stuff, I don't think I'll be listening to this one too much.