 "Photo: Courtesy Arts & Crafts")
This year brought the release of the Stills’ third album “Oceans Will Rise.” Front man Tim Fletcher once again leads with his incredible vocals, which collaborate with his bandmates’ instrumentals to create an alluring sound. While the album is not riveting, it still delivers some powerful messages.
The song “Don’t Talk Down” begins the album by setting an alternative-chic mood that can remind one of The Strokes or The Fray. The music carries influences of punk rock mixed with a New Age feel that varies from a relaxed paced tune, such as “Statue of Sirens,” to an all-out jam in “Rooibos/ Palm Wine Drinkard.”
While the music and vocals are pleasing, the real impact lies in the lyrics. The lyrics are undoubtedly refreshing in a way that is reminiscent of the symbolism used in classic rock.
The band brings poetry back to song lyrics, instead of the impassioned and immature tangents that are far too common today. The songs show that there are still some bands that not only write their own lyrics, but alost provide deeper meanings and music that accentuate them.
In the song “Everything I Build,” the rhythm is rather simplistic, but the band definitely makes up for that by having beautiful and profound lyrics, as does the song “Statue of Sirens.”
Compared to previous albums, “Oceans Will Rise” expresses variety and boldness.
Although the album maintains a mellow element, the band also goes down new avenues, such as with the ethnic-type beat that it uses in “Snake Charming the Masses.”
Overall, the band has produced a commendable range of sounds. The songs are not repetitive, and they reflect depth.
For those who enjoy a pleasant alternative sound, The Stills’ album is worth checking out.
"Oceans Will Rise” is a step up in the band’s musical journey. The Stills may not have what it takes to be mentioned along with the rock greats — The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, for example — but the group gives a bit of the new while it also returns to the meaningful roots of music. So, if nothing else, the Stills’ passionate and poetic lyrics deserve appreciation.
The members of Stills have shown progress in the short amount of time that has elapsed since their first album release. It seems safe to say that there is more to come.
Grade: B+
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