STONE - FEAR FOR A LIFETIME
Having set the tone for what was to come with 2022’s and 2023’s punkadonk EP instalments, STONE have finally dropped their debut album, Fear Life For A Lifetime; although their recent offering strays slightly from their past, it’s obvious that what makes the Liverpool quartet so special is still shining through.
The past two years have seen the band - consisting of frontman Fin Powers, guitarist Elliot Gil, bassist Sarah Surrage, and drummer Alex Smith - make an impact in the industry as they’ve set themselves up as the voice of their generation. With their lyricism reflecting this particular turmoil, the band gives a voice to those feeling voiceless, reminding everyone that being a young adult in this day and age is hardly easy. They act as a reminder that it’s okay if your life has its ups and downs.
Despite being produced half the world away with Rich Costey in Vermont, Fear Life For A Lifetime could not be more British. It’s a record that clings on to the bands roots, retaining that fundamental British essence through its combination of Power’s scouse accent and its sonics.
Capturing Britpop at its finest, ‘Queen’ feels like a cut from DMA’s discography whereas ‘Queen’ has enough lyrical poignancy as Power touches on the challenges mental health brings forward. “Today’s the day I promise I’m gonna change,” he sings. “Ask for help and I’m handed a razor blade.”
Recalling their indie-punk ways, ‘Train’ boasts the same punchy, poised production as their earlier work. Lyrically, it runs as a stream of consciousness where Powers’ anxiety creeps through as the track progresses. There’s a sense of urgency in his tone, it reflects the feeling of anxiety building up inside as Powers goes about his day. “So it starts, the day is new / Hold myself together, eyes peeled on platform two,” he lists in the first verse. “The brain starts to wake / I know the train is coming ‘cause the tracks start to shake / Sense what’s in store / Catching all the suits push past as they wait for the door.”
Elsewhere on the record, STONE are at their most sombre. The heartbreaking ‘Save Yourself’ dives into feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy whilst ‘Hotel’ transports listeners into a dreamlike state. “Get out of my life before I ruin yours,” Powers croons in the former track that brings the record to a close. It’s a heavy-hitting end to the album and reminds people that STONE aren’t all about quick-witted, indie bangers. They’re also a band that can execute any style they want and yes, that means even the mellow, acoustic-led ones they’ve tried their hand at this time round.
All in all, Fear Life For A Lifetime is a great debut record. The change of sonic direction is something that the band’s ever-growing, cult-like fanbase will lap up and it’s for sure going to catapult their careers into further greatness. Loaded with heaps of ambition, STONE are only just getting started and this is a record worthy of being on repeat.
Cat Wiltshire
★★★★☆