When I was asked to complete an album review as my first task for Project Backstage, I was certain my project would be a band I would not enjoy.  I was troubled to think I would start by providing a review with a negative tone.  Fortunately, I was assigned 49 Stones. In a day and age when bands with a chick as the front-“man” have become more commonplace, these types of bands are still a minority in the broad spectrum of widely known musicians.  Although there are both pros and cons to the 49 Stones album, my overall impression is one of respect for the talent of the musicians and their potential to become commonly known within their genre.  49 Stones maintains the skills that will allow them to rise up to rock star standards and set themselves apart from the norm.  Two songs into their album Turn It On, I became energized by their evident talent and couldn’t help but to continue listening to the entire album from start to finish…many times, I should add.  Turn It On contains a variety of styles and exceptional sounds that lured me in further and further as I went through each track.

I was captivated by their first track, Crowded.  You would have trouble keeping me off the dance floor with this one. Crowded pulled me in with its winning bass progression.  I often feel like bass is used as back-up sound; however 49 Stones has the bass out front with its dominant rhythm.  Maybe it is my passion for the deep, soothing sounds of the bass, but I was looking forward to more of this.  I was further engaged all through the album as I continued to hear major bass sequences throughout most every track.

My ear was mostly drawn to their second track, Devil All Along.  The song starts with a fresh and funky guitar riff; followed by drums that generate a groovy timbre and a brilliant bass line, then becomes almost mesmerizing with the addition of sultry vocals.  In this single track, the band has managed to encompass a distinctive sound not typically heard in mainstream music.  I found it truly unique and enticing.  This song alone sets 49 Stones apart from their peers.

Although 49 Stones shows tremendous talent, I felt some of their songs lack a certain dynamic that would allow me to fully feel the passion behind each track.  I felt several tracks lacked harmonic vocals that would truly complete their sound.  Often, when different cords are stacked together they can create a resonance that is not written into the music.  This phenomenon occurs when different levels of harmony become fused together and a completely new sound becomes audible.  I really wanted to hear this in Cruel and Unusual, as well as War Cry. I truly appreciated the artistry and message in each song, but I wanted to feel the entire effect of the music take over.  These two songs are very well written and maintain a lot of energy, but seem incomplete and lacked a certain power that would make them exceptional.

The album maintains a high energy   I can only imagine the intensity felt in the audience at one of their shows. In fact, I was listening to the album while I was preparing this review and mid keystroke I had to stop.  What was I listening to!?  Alive Tonight…WOW!  About halfway through the song, an idiosyncratic tempo change took me into a zone.  I found myself listening to one of the most alluring melodies sung by the picking of a guitar.  All I could think was, “Whoa, I want to see this live,” and I intend to do just that.

You can find their album and schedule at 49stones.net.

Megan Cervas
ProjectBackstage.com