MUSIC FARMER 5 - Review by Adam Jones
Unleashing the Power of Passion
In the expansive and often overwhelming landscape that is modern rock, STONE MOB's "Love Affair" emerges not just as a song, but as an epicly poetic journey through the realms of love and musical ecstasy. It is a masterful orchestration of raw emotion & technical brilliance, and an ode to the soul-stirring potency of rock & roll.
"Love Affair" immediately grabs the listener's attention with a powerful cadence. The opening drums by Andy Hamburger are a thunderous herald that announces something monumental is about to unfold. This is quickly followed by Blaine Kaltman’s guitar solo - a whirlwind of notes that dance and twist with a chaotic beauty, reminiscent of a passionate love story. Kaltman, revered as the "Shred Master General," plays not just with speed and precision, but with a warmth that ignites the song's emotional core.
As the song moves into the verse, Doug Masterson’s voice enters, a beacon of intensity and charm. His vocal delivery is like a brush painting emotions in broad, vivid strokes across a canvas of sound. There's an underlying punk energy in his voice, but it's laced with a captivating finesse that echoes the song’s theme of all-encompassing love. His performance is a unique blend of influences, yet it stands out as distinctively STONE MOB.
Eric Scott’s bass playing provides a firm, pulsating heart to the song. The bass lines are not just heard but felt, adding a rich depth to the track. The band’s vibrant chemistry is obvious, each member playing off the others’ strengths to create a unified, powerful whole.
The climax of STONE MOB's "Love Affair" is nothing short of breathtaking, with the vocals declaring, “It’s a love affair, love’s gonna blow you away." They are delivered with such conviction and passion, they resonate deep within. The accompanying guitar solo is a masterpiece, channeling the spirits of guitar legends like Eddie Van Halen (dive bombs, anyone?), yet infused with Blaine Kaltman’s unique flair. As Doug Masterson’s vocals soar to another dimension, reminiscent of AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, there's a sense of awe at the sheer scale of emotion and skill on display.
