S.T.U.N.
"Evolution
of Energy" (Geffen; 2003)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Take the honest sound and lyrics of The Clash, combine them with the purest of punk rock (we're talking Ramones, Sex Pistols and, yeah, The Clash here, not Blink 182 and Good Charlotte wannabes) and you've got S.T.U.N. And that's a good thing.
Standing head and shoulders over all the spongerock bands out there, S.T.U.N. scores near direct hits with their thoughtful, insightful lyrics, their blistering guitar riffs (plus the occasional blistering solo!) and sharp, attitude-laden vocals. The band's strongest point is in their songwriting, which again brings to mind the hallowed name of The Clash. S.T.U.N. are perhaps more modern sounding than that legendary band, but the similarities are there and are welcome.
The band doesn't shy away from social commentary - something that this reviewer sometimes finds annoying. (In fact, the band's initials stand for "Scream Toward the Uprising of Non-Conformity.") But, as guitarist Neil Spies explains, "We're not pushing opinions on anyone - everyone should question everything, and make decisions for themselves." It's that attitude that makes S.T.U.N. more tolerable than heavy-handed bands like Rage Against the Machine.
S.T.U.N. have already developed a reputation for a terrific live show and, listening to "Evolution of Energy," one can imagine why. The songs seem to have been written for maximum live effect. They're strong enough on the CD; they'd be explosive live.
For more information, check out http://www.stunmusic.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 16 Dec 2024 12:46:35 -0500.
