We’re very excited to premiere the eagerly-awaited second album from Stonefield, As Above, So Below.
Rather than being a ‘difficult second album’, this is the release of a refined and confident outfit who have developed considerably from their promising 2013 debut. It hits immediately on opener ‘Sister’ with a serious punch – heavy and droning, but darkly melodic.
More upbeat numbers like recent single ‘Stranger’ give the vox and laser beam organ melodies a bit more room to breathe, but still carry them along on a thick wave of dirty bass that always threatens to overwhelm. ‘Changes’ features a vocal hook that wouldn’t be out of place on a far more lightweight pop track, but at the same time feels right at home nestled here amongst layers of fuzz and searing riffs.
Perhaps it’s being a few years older that’s prompted the sisters to balance these melodic sensibilities with an undercurrent of doom, and surely supporting bands like Fleetwood Mac has helped them see the sort of growth and musical development they’ve just exhibited here. Whatever the cause, Stonefield have just taken one very impressive step forward, and scrawled their signatures across the face of Australian psych rock.
As Above, So Below will be released tomorrow through Wunderkind/Mushroom, and will be available on iTunes, as well as CD and vinyl from stonefield.com.au
