Stereoside – Stereoside
Ah, modern rock – as certain to fail in quenching one’s musical thirst as Nickelback front man Chad Kroeger is to receive death threats and harsh criticism following every new collection of Nickelback songs. Much has been said of this radio-saturated genre, where bands are perceived to simply be a dime a dozen. We’re not here to debate whether these views hold any merit or not but if modern rock is indeed becoming a shell of what it used to be – full of seedy, hard-rockin’ bands offering simplistic, homogeneous material meant for mass consumption and little else – Stereoside have enough promise to possibly revive a genre fleeting away on life support.
Before one dares read this review any further, if modern rock does not suit your fancy, refrain from reading another word of this write-up, there is nothing here of worth. This is unapologetic, bare-boned rock meant to move some hips and snag an ear or two. As for the more open-minded viewers, this four-piece hailing from Ocala, Florida, kicks off their self-titled release with first single and album stand-out, “Trailer Park Scum.” Bursting from the speakers is a wholly accessible brand of rock; chock full of major chords, colorful vocals, and massive hooks. Vocalist Jeff Shields shines on the opener thanks to the sugary melodies he produces, even though the lyrics (“I like my girls like I like my green, a little bit sticky and a little bit sweet…”) come across as immature. Even with this being noted, Shields’ outlandish lyrics provide a certain charm, only enlivening the surrounding music with their unrepentant attitude.
Songwriting is absolutely critical when constructing a modern rock album. Most potential customers will have only heard a said band’s hit singles on the radio before becoming motivated to hunt down the record on which the songs appear. Thus, the remainder of tracks on an album need to be just as or nearly as catchy as the ones dominating the airwaves. For the most part, Stereoside accomplishes this goal. One of the token ballads on the record, “Walk Alone (Back to You)” could effortlessly generate buzz as a future single with its mid-paced tempo, sensitive singing, and memorable melodies. Come on Stereoside, common knowledge is the fact that girls gravitate towards rock ballads like they drift towards ice cream and Lifetime movies on a Saturday night. Connect the dots and make “Walk Alone (Come Back to You)” a second single.
Another fitting example of modern rock done right is the addicting “Life Goes On.” Despite being a little harder-edged than most of the pieces offered on the album, “Life Goes On” features one hell of a chorus, marrying a vicious hook with a rockin’ sensibility. This song, naturally, could also be a mover and shaker in the mainstream. Add to these undoubtedly hummable tunes, a more dramatic composition such as “Amazing,” and Stereoside has accumulated a rather solid backbone of lovely, potentially successful material.
So where does a portion of this album go wrong? Unfortunately, no matter how inventive these Floridians attempted to be, there is always going to be a stale song or two on most above average modern rock releases. This of course, prevents such promising releases from obtaining loftier status and acclaim. The two perpetrators here come in the forms of “Risktaker” and “Black Sheep.” Both compositions are of an upbeat nature, meant to get blood pumping. Yet, when listening to these pieces, the duo lacks a certain energy the other inclusions possess. Each is guilty of attempting to be almost too radio-friendly and because of this, the first half of the album struggles to build momentum.
According to Stereoside’s biography, “Instead of pursuing a career in Country music, Jeff rejected major label offers to become the front man for Stereoside.” For this, the group as a whole prospers as Shields proves repeatedly that he is more than capable as a front man and is arguably the most outstanding performer on a disc peppered with notable contributions and catchy tunes. Regrettably, Nickelback will still reign mightily over the uniform landscape of modern rock no matter how much flack they catch. However, with Stereoside’s newest self-titled release, Chad Kroeger and gang better watch their backs because Stereoside have part of the cure for rock’s disease and their eyes on the throne.
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14 Comments
August 29th, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I am afraid the sentence – "Before one dares read this review any further, if modern rock does not suit your fancy, refrain from reading another word of this write-up, there is nothing here of worth." – worked a little too well here.
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August 29th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
HAHA! People are reading it, but don't have anything to say.
These guys just don't appeal to me. Maybe 10 years ago when I preferred "face value" music. Good review though, Josh!
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Josh Velliquette replied:
August 29th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Haha, thanks. Yeah, these guys aren't going to blow anyone's socks off but they do deliver catchy, face value music.
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August 29th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
I like it, but then again, my middle school years were dominated by modern rock, mostly Breaking Benjamin. So I'm bound to like this even though I don't care much for radio-rock as much nowadays.
I could compare them to… 7day Binge easily, but these guys are at least three steps under on the rock food chain.
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August 31st, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Picked this album up today and I'm less than impressed. Your review was actually very accurate in my opinion. I just wish this album had more balls.
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Josh Velliquette replied:
August 31st, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Sorry to hear that the album disappointed you. Suffice to say, there are some quality songs on this album and I am sure you would agree. Thanks for the kind assessment.
And yes, I agree with you – this album could use more balls. Thanks again.
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September 2nd, 2010 at 10:37 am
I can say this about Stereoside ! Until the concert at Floyds in Tallahassee Fla. On Saturday Night Aug. 28th 2010, I didn't like Rock music, until I seen this group. If Stereoside can change the minds of Country Music fan like myself then you have to think about how many other Country Music fans they can change and let's face it there are tons of Country Music fan out there. I just went to the Bama Jam in June and there were 149,000 thousands people there.If Stereoside could get a break and play for that many people just once those people like me would run out and buy there music. Stereoside is an AWESOME Group of young Men and they have talent out the yin yang ! They need to be seen and heard everywhere !
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Josh Velliquette replied:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Cindy, it's great to read about your positive experience with the band. I agree with you in the sense that this album could have crossover appeal with Country fans as the album does have the faintest bit of "twang" within the melodies. In addition, I agree that this band could build an impressive following if given a fair share of recognition and publicity.
Thanks for sharing and we hope you enjoy the site!
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September 2nd, 2010 at 10:47 am
Stereoside is one of the best rock bands of modern times. Both albums are great and the guys are super cool dudes. Jeff sings with a compassion and conviction that hasn't been seen since Chris Cornell.
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Josh Velliquette replied:
September 2nd, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Love your enthusiasm, fearnofish09. While the last statement may be a little lofty, I can agree with you in the sense that Jeff does have a sincere and talented voice which helps make the music that much more addicting.
Thanks for the comment.
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September 2nd, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Stereoside has what it takes to make it in this business. I have no doubt in my mind that they will be on the top of the Billboard or iTunes charts before we know it. Their first cd was great, but I think this new cd shows just how talented they are. I believe in these guys and support them 100%!
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Josh Velliquette replied:
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:29 pm
I agree, these guys definitely have the tools to make it in the business.
Thanks for the input!
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September 2nd, 2010 at 1:04 pm
The hooks are "amazing". Whoever wrote this album is a "blacksheep" and stands out in a crowd. "I keep a little swagger in my soul" Trailer Park Scum from "I have miles and miles to go before I sleep." Crazy and Paranoid and back on round the bend to "My mind is strong… I stay sharp for the enemy" Life goes on… these lyrics will not long be forgotten and truly written at the hand of an artist versed in notes and melody.
Just in time for football season: Like a Les Paul Guitar in an alligator suitcase ready to snap your face off… you know that I will… you know that I will." Stereoside/Risktaker
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Josh Velliquette replied:
September 2nd, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Glad you liked the album. Thanks for checking the review out!
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