Stereo Feed

Originally posted on June 5, 2014:

          Post-grunge, a mid 90's derivative of grunge music, is the genre that was instrumental (pun intended) in popularizing bands like Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stoneage, The Black Keys, and Arctic Monkeys.  It has also allowed these bands to thrive in the changing musical landscape of the 2000's, with its characteristic grunge sound mixed with a pop sense.  Today, many bands try to play into that genre, but often times, their music falls flat in terms of their fan-base due to an imbalance of early grunge style and pop sensibilities.  Stereofeed is not one of those bands.

          Stereofeed comes from Atalanta, Georgia and is made up of members Griffin Carr (Vocals/Guitar), Eric Lee (Drums), and Alex Estes (Backing Vocals/Bass).  The band started in 2011 from the ashes of Jettison and Fulturn Jones.  They released their debut EP, Call to Arms, in May of this year and are already planning their next release.  Their fast-paced grunge riffs and smoky vocals are almost addictive and slightly intoxicating.

Stereo Feed's energetic debut album, "Call to Arms"

          The first song on Call to Arms is What is My Name?  It begins with a heavily distorted guitar riff backed by rapid cymbal tapping.  After a brief spout of feedback, the guitar loudens and the drums come in full force with a complex combination of snare, cymbal, and bass beats.  These factors play a major role in establishing the high energy level that is not only found in this track, but the entire EP.  The vocals, then, come in and engage the listener.  Griffin Carr's voice is best described as somewhat mysterious, less raw than other's in the genre, but equally interesting and he really helps to set the mood and tone of the band's music.  The track finishes with a brief guitar solo backed by the skilled drum work of Eric Lee.  This song is the perfect 'first track' for an EP, as it immediately draws in the listener and gets their fists pumping right away.

Stereo Feed jamming' in the studio

Another particularly great track on the EP is Heliophobic.  The song kicks off with a penetrating drum fill that is periodically repeated throughout the song.  In addition, they keep the track's energy levels up and moving forward.  Then, a distorted guitar riff (it plays throughout most of the song) comes in and establishes a darker, more melancholy mood.  The bass also plays an important role in the song, as the bass line is more prominent than in other tracks.  It is reminiscent of the main riff in Everlong (Foo Fighters).  Again, Griffin Carr's vocals cap the song off and further establish the mood and tone of the track.  The band utilizes the convention of brief silences within a song, followed by explosive sound very effectively in this song and much of the EP in general.

          Stereofeed is a solid addition to the post-grunge genre.  Their heavy, energetic guitar riffs, deep bass lines, and compelling vocals make them an engaging group that has captured early grunge and remixed it with modern pop.  It is this unique style that, I believe, will bring them fans and a dedicated following.  They have said that work will soon commence on a full-length live studio album and I look forward to see how their sound develops and comes through on their next release.  You can check out their music on their Bandcamp page (http://stereofeed.bandcamp.com).  Also, be sure to head over to their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/stereofeedrocks).

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading this review.  Please feel free to comment on this article about whatever you feel like (suggestions, what you think of the band, etc...).  If you would like to contact me for any reason, check out the 'Contact' tab above.  Have a nice day and rock on!