by Paul T. Mueller
In its publicity material, Brooklyn-based band Stone Mountain Station lists influences ranging from the Beatles to AC/DC to Wilco. That’s a pretty wide range, maybe a bit too wide. The band’s first full-length release, Electric Silence, shows a lot of potential but comes off as somewhat unfocused.
The basic sound is high-energy pop, with a little blues and rock thrown in. All of it is built around the voice of lead vocalist Gina Tolentino, which is a bit reminiscent of Natalie Merchant’s. Unfortunately, in the album’s pre-release form, Tolentino’s voice sometimes seems a bit lost in the mix. It’s hoped the final product will show her efforts to better advantage.
Capable instrumental support comes from keyboardist Mark Ciani, who also wrote most of the songs and co-produced the album; electric guitarist/co-producer Alvaro Kapaz; acoustic guitarist Dan Sussman, who wrote two songs; bassist Ryan Gleason, and drummer/percussionist Matt Musty.
Best bets: “He Only Loves Me Too,” with its nice mix of jangly guitar and keyboards; “Sum of It,” a country-ish kiss-off song; and “Never Within Reach,” with exuberant organ riffs and chunky guitar riffs that recall Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
Follow Sun209 on Twitter at @Sun209com.