Stavesacre's storied, all-star cast garners huge expectations with each new album. Their latest self-titled work is their first for Nitro Records/XS Records. Already being raked over the coals by critics, this is no Speakeasy. But it's still better than your typical modern rock drivel. With production stripped back courtesy Dave Bianco (Buckcherry, Mudhoney, Ozzy Osbourne), Mark Salomon's vocals are left out to dry. And while the well thought out, look-what-we-can-do-with-Pro-Tools outcome of Speakeasy served that album well, the bare and vulnerable sound of Salomon's voice here proves he's one of rock's great vocalists. Ryan Dennee and Neil Samoy bring the usual Stavesacre guitar sound, yet display a newer touch with some nice guitar solos. Sam West and Dirk Lemmenes show their usual airtight rhythm section more than well enough.
Downsides? "Island," "Night Town," and "The Sad Parade" are included in rerecorded format from Split/e.p., two of them also having been on the Tooth & Nail greatest hits disc, Collective. So that makes only eight new songs here. And, Jeff Bellew's songwriting talents are somewhat missed throughout. In light of these complaints, Stavesacre is still one of the better bands around, and there's no need to give up on them now.
Editors' ratings — Doug 2.5/5, Lonny 2/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dan SingletonStavesacre has finally provided fans with the pronunciation of its name. This album is technically called "stavz'aker" with hard A's, but for simplicity's sake, I'll refer to it as their self-titled album. This release is a good representative sample of the band's work. It offers some solid heavy work, some songs reminiscent of their Toolish Absolutes, some more melodic, accessible tunes and even…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by John WilsonThe latest, self-titled Stavesacre album is taking heat from some critics who say it doesn't match up to their 1999 project Speakeasy. In all honesty, it doesn't. But Stavesacre is an album that by nearly any other band would be called a masterpiece. Lead singer Mark Salomon proves he is one of the best vocalists in rock music -- Christian or otherwise -- and producer David Bianco lets Salomon's…Similar sounding releases
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