Review:

on 2013-02-20 Michael_Morrison Said:

This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound & image. Theres something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever it is - they all seem to have it.

Today I listened to the latest CD from San Francisco based band Stages of Sleep (Carousel) released in 2012. Band members are as follows: Jason Ardiles (Vocals, Nylon String Guitar), Brian Wilkerson (Bass), Max Savage (Percussion), Steven Horgan (Drums), Eli Carlton-Pearson (Elect5ric Guitar), Isabel Sokol-Oxman (Violin), Nicholas Hasty (Alto Saxophone, Flute, and Clarinet, Trumpet, Vocals). Venturing to their website and reading the bio I get the impression this is one band that is extremely passionate about the songwriting craft. From start to finish this CD from SOS is very a pleasurable and entertaining musical experience overall. It has a very soothing Alternative Rock quality to it but even dabbles in hooky Alternative Folk. Any fans of any of these musical styles will enjoy this latest release from SOS. Its clearly marketed for those who like a male singer with a persona of say Fleet Foxes, Wild Nothing, Dirty Projectors, and Animal Collective. Like I said before I get the impression these lads are extremely artistic in the expression  and as a result they have managed to capture lighting in a bottle via this catalogue. In other words they hit the mark remarkably well by just being who they are musically. Favorite tracks include (The Lesson) and (Behave). All songs possess amazing feel. The songwriting digs a bit deeper than the next Independent rock band. Within each one of these songs SOS bares their soul and deliver what I would call pure musical mojo. This band is clearly is a force to be reckoned with around the Bay Area. The overall vibe of the production really sticks with you and is very entertaining and theatrical full of suspense and musical variety.

In close most famous artists out there have it Im not so sure what it but Stages of Sleep has whatever it may be.

Michael Morrison
West Lothoan, Scotland
Rating: 8/10