Cultural Dissonance

From out of Londonderry, Northern Ireland comes a band called Sandstone who has recent reason to celebrate. Playing what can be called as a cross between neo-NWOBHM and progressive rock, Sandstone has an intricate and matured sound that would attract fans of both Iron Maiden and Queensryche. Sandstone released their latest album (their third) in October of 2011, entitled ‘Cultural Dissonance’ which should push their popularity even higher now that they are with a new label.

Forming in 2003, Sandstone released an EP called ‘Life Giving Sun’ and built a solid fan base while frequenting local Northern Irish pubs and festivals. Known for their high energy and tight performances, Sandstone won the top prize at the Hammersmith battle of the bands festival, and soon after were signed by local UK label Casket Music (part of CoproRecords). Their first full-length album ‘Tides of Opinion’ was released in 2006, and followed up in 2009 with their excellent second disc, ‘Purging the Past’, in which Bruce Dickinson described as “the most promising thing to come out of Ireland in years”. Due to the success of the album, German label Limb Music snapped up Sandstone almost immediately, singing them to a five album deal, the first of which would be the remastering (ex-Rebellion guitarist Uwe Lulis) and re-release of ‘Purging the Past’.

Sandstone’s latest album ‘Cultural Dissonance’ evolves the band even further while retaining the band’s hallmark core structures - the ability to create wonderfully crafted melodies, supreme song-writing and emotional lyrics. Sandstone treads a path musically where they can write and perform some of the most heartfelt ballad-like tracks and weave them into the heavier side of neo-NWOBHM and prog rock especially; resulting in an intricate and mesmerising listening experience.

The star writers behind the music also happen to be the two founding members of the band; guitarist Stevie McLaughlin and vocalist Sean McBay. Both members are extremely talented and down to earth song writers, who have that knack of knowing what work well, what gives off the most passion and most importantly knowing the skills and focal points of their fellow members and using that to their advantage. The remainder of Sandstone include bassist and brother of Stevie, David McLaughlin; and drummer Dan Lafford. At the time of this review, Dan Lafford has since left the band and been replaced by Brian Doherty, and they have also recruited another guitarist, Dee Kivlehan.

Musically, the album can be slightly deceiving, where at first glance it would seem that the guitar riffs and melodies could be at a softer side, but in reality the majority is quite heavy for neo-NWOBHM/prog rock. Yes there are softer passages throughout the CD, but it mainly the wonderful harmonies and peaceful melodies that make it that way. The guitar riffs certainly have grunt to them in parts. The driving force leading the way on ‘Cultural Dissonance’ is not the guitars, but more so the exceptional vocals of Sean McBay. Sean is the type of singer that you could listen to all day long and not lose interest. With a non-threatening style and approach, McBay put his heart and soul into his vocals, making for a passionate and energetic listening experience.

One of the many examples of his sensitive but powerful vocals is with the heartfelt ballad “Sleep”. McBay completely owns this track and if you are a sucker for soft ballads, then “Sleep” will be on permanent repeat on your stereo as it truly is a wonderful song. One of the best tracks also happens to be the album closer, with the convincing “Trick of Mind”. With a catchy chorus and the swift pace of the guitars and rhythm section, McBay grand vocals soar over the top of this atmospheric track, reminiscent of Iron Maiden in quite a few layers.

“Black Skies” is another winner on ‘Cultural Dissonance’, starting with a slow and sombre piano intro, the main speedy guitar riff kicks in accompanied by double bass pummelling. The catchy foot tapping riff is definitely a highlight through the track, while the melodic chorus, McBay’s vocals and the tempo changes also add to the song’s success. Without wanting to spoil the remainder of this impressive disc, other highlights include the melodic “Little Forgeries”, the upbeat and powerful “Reckless Thought”, “No More”, which is wonderful semi ballad prog rock track, and the melodic but gutsy and vigorous “Fading”.

Sandstone have certainly impressed in the short time of their existence and headed by such excellent song writers, that being Stevie and Sean, I can see their future becoming very bright. ‘Cultural Dissonance’ is a great mix of prog rock, hard rock and neo-NWOBHM that would very much appeal to fans of bands like Maiden, Queensryche, Symphony X, Vanden Plas, Pagan’s Mind and Fates Warning; among others. This album completely blew away my expectations and is highly recommended in the above bands are in your metal collection.

Originally written for www.themetalforge.com