Grace Hotel
  Overall rating: +++

Album Reviews

Stavesacre's fourth album, the phonetically spelled (stavz'a'ker), is a remarkable leap from the band's work on Tooth and Nail. Once mired down in the muck of depressing alternative metal, through time Stavesacre has turned into a tight and dynamic emo group. First, they've managed to balance the mix of guitar and vocals perfectly, with Mark Salomon's dark moan carrying beautifully over the fuzz-drenched guitars. Boasting huge choruses, several intense musical breakdowns, and some truly inspired guitar work from Neil Samoy and Ryan Dennee, (stavz'a'ker) is just the kind of album the band needed to take the next step. Lyrically, the group's simple cries for love and sympathy are perfectly fitted to the music, offering an optimistic take on a genre known for its heart-wrenching songs. But Salomon's background as a born-again Christian gives the music a potency that is infectious; the positive messages and thoughtful ideas found within inspire multiple listens. Walking the line between harsh aggression and melodic radiance with ease, (stavz'a'ker) is the culmination of seven years of hard work that has resulted in a very satisfying album.

~ Bradley Torreano

Pass the Paxil and tell me vocalist Mark Solomon's warbling trill doesn't remind you of Mind Funk's ever-eloquent Patrick Dubar. That said... well, there ain't much else to say. It wouldn't be totally honest of me to call "Witch Trial" and "Alice Wishlist" favorite tracks, however, they were the most pleasurable of the rather dismal bunch. The Mind Funk funk that hangs over this debut had me hoping things would kick into high gear at some point, but all eleven tracks tend to slog their way through an almost Alice In Chains-ish mire of cheerlessness. Heavy sigh.

~ El Niablo

Stavesacre will offer a bit of it all on their album “Stavz’a’ker.” Starting with a heavier rock meets pop sound foundation, the band builds and deconstructs from there to create gentle ballads and textured instrumentation. While Stavesacre never does wander too far from their original plan, they do offer a respectable album with some memorably melodic lines hidden under crashing drums and guitar riffs.

     Obviously influenced by Tool, Stavesacre open the album with “Witch Trial,” a well blended mix of heavy sounds with pop appeal. Starting slower and building speed, “Blind Hope” lets you hear singer Mark Salomon’s vocals, tinged with Ozzy Osbourne’s slight shrill tone, with driving instrumentation. More melodic, to a point, at least, “Alice Wishlist” is memorable with its power chords and chorus while “Island” is similar aside from being edgier rhythmically. With “A Place Where I Can Breathe,” Stavesacre seems to focus on a more intense instrumental sound.

     Stavesacre offer a memorable moment with “If Not Now” with soaring vocals and dynamic instrumentation. Meanwhile, rhythmic guitar pushes “Night Town” from behind and keeps it moving. “The Sad Parade” is up tempo and edgier while opening up and letting loose. Pounding drums lead into “Why Good People Suffer” as Salomon asks, “Should I sit in judgment?/Do I have to judge me?” Added female background vocals and string add warmth to “Yes,” a gentle ballad. Engaging riffs lead “World To Wait,” an up tempo closer that brings the album together.

     With their blended sound, the songs either seem unsure of their style or too like other tracks on the album. Stavesacre give up too easily on their driving riffs, offering decent instrumentation on intros that die off, sometimes needlessly, for the vocals. But the band’s mixing of thoughtful, positive lyrics with mainstream friendly heavy pop sounds might be just the thing for some fans.

~ Corinne