StoneWire - 'Life As We Know It'

A British five-piece band with their musical roots firmly influenced by a host of classic Southern Rock artists... albeit with a twist.

I first discovered StoneWire when they played at my local venue The Railway after a tip-off from the owner sparked my curiosity. They had just released their debut album 'When The Crow Flies' and put on a mesmerising show for such a new band. Fast-forward five years and I'm lucky enough to review the next step in the group's development. StoneWire are a British five-piece band with their musical roots firmly influenced by a host of classic Southern Rock artists... albeit with a twist. The band's focal point is the amazing singing of Sky Hunter, who is assisted by the twin guitars of Gaz Annable and Duncan Greenway alongside a solid rhythm section comprising drummer Rob Glasner and bassist Steve Briggs. With the resurgence of new acts paying homage to the Rock Gods of the seventies, what do StoneWire offer to set them apart?

'Monkey Talk' opens with a huge, deep, dirty and heavy riff that's lifted straight from Malcolm Young's legacy before Hunter's lungs take centre stage. She possesses one of the best female voices I've heard with an extremely deep, soulful delivery. The guitars then keep the track driving along with some amazing fret-work; honestly, that's how you open a new release. 'One For The Road' tones it down a touch with the stunning rhythm section really standing out, pushing the boundaries and playing off against the guitars. 'FTM' brings in the deep Southern guitar sound whilst the lyrics focus on the homelessness epidemic; the delivery from every member is epic.

The bluesy rocker 'House Rules' again highlights Hunter's wide vocal range and the band ease through this into what can only be described as a giant of a song called 'Hero's Journey'. It's a seven-minute ride through harmony, riff and rhythm, and I reckon it's StoneWire's finest offering to date – a real 'Freebird' moment. The remaining tracks continue to mix styles perfectly before 'A Step Too Far' ends proceedings as they began with a down 'n' dirty rocker.

StoneWire have followed up their debut with an album full of songs containing their own unique take on the classic genres. This release feels like the group were in control of their own destiny and produced an album they wanted to hear. If you like classic, Blues-driven Rock and have yet to discover StoneWire, then do yourself a favour and put this on your Christmas list* – I promise you're in for a treat.

Mick Parry

(* this review is from Fireworks Magazine #89)