It would appear that Cleveland has more to offer than just the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Browns and a stance as a global city… it is also home to the trio known as Last Stone Cast which has put out an impressive self-titled 5 song EP. At first listen, this collection grabs you by the hand and pulls you stage center with powerful Chris Cornell/Paul Stanley had a baby vocals and a tight and unyielding rhythm section that is a testament that three can sound like five. This is formulaic rock in that it is equal parts crafty riffs, salacious hooks and well constructed lyrics that are mainstream ready but distinctive and uncommon enough to get your attention and hold it which is no easy task. Lead singer and guitarist Scott McConnell is a stadium ready front man with a powerful range and bull’s eye target delivery. Bassist Jon Epstein and drummer Josh Lippley are in synch and produce a wall of sound that gives way to Last Stone Cast’s ability to resonate larger than life and not get tethered in the watered down syncopation that some three pieces fall into. Currently putting the finishing touches on their full length cd entitled “Life Construed” and with a change in drummers (Bill Morrison replaces Lippley), Last Stone Cast is on track, and it’s a steady course towards a destination ready for eminence. Plug them in to your aural navigator as you won’t want to miss this ride.
5 Stars
