Despite the fact that their album cover bears a curious resemblance to the new Juliana Theory EP, and that their band name is dripping with 'emo-pop,' Stairwell has made good on their claim that they are just a rock and roll band. And quite the promising rock and roll band at that. The only immediate comparison, weak as it may be, is to the latest Jimmy Eat World, at least in approach. Their songs are alive with pop-savvy -- Beach Boys-like harmonies and Weezer-ish choruses and guitars -- and kept from being trite by leaving out any pretense of them being something deeper than what they are. The band does betray its roots now and again with some radio-punk riffs, but transcend the Fenix TX's and American Hi-Fi's with decent song writing, and some dignity.
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis March 2003Reviewed by Tom BastianThe Sounds of Change is the second full-length release for this Southern California quintet. The album was originally released in 2001 on Takehold Records and has recently been re-released on Hopeless Records. Produced by James Wisner (Further Seems Forever, Dashboard Confessional). Well back in 2001 Decapolis posted two reviews of "The Sounds of Change" when it was originally released by…Decapolis March 2003Reviewed by Brett Miotti"The Sounds of Change" is full of catchy hooks and memorable melodies. Singer Jonathan Caro knows how to craft instantly hummable melodies and deliver them with polish. It doesn't hurt that the strong harmonies by Zak Shultz add a nice fullness to some of the choruses. The band has taken what they created on last year's "Pacific Standard Time" and improved it. They even branch out a bit on songs…Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Tom BastianThe guys in Stairwell have delivered. With "Sounds of Change" the band has progressed an astonishing amount when compared to their first full-length. This is definitely one of the best pop albums I have heard this year. It's catchy, it's intelligent and it's not boring. The production is right on and the songwriting is steps above many of the other bands in the same league as Stairwell. If you're…Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Brett Miotti"The Sounds of Change" is full of catchy hooks and memorable melodies. Singer Jonathan Caro knows how to craft instantly hummable melodies and deliver them with polish. It doesn't hurt that the strong harmonies by Zak Shultz add a nice fullness to some of the choruses. The band has taken what they created on last year's "Pacific Standard Time" and improved it. They even branch out a bit on songs…Similar sounding releases
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