Grant Stone is a bonafide rock and roller — a classic. One thing I love about reviewing undiscovered, small-time musicians is that I get to hear things outside of the mainstream. And given that rock is almost nowhere to be seen in the charts, it’s always relieving to know that the genre is alive and well in the underground music scene. From the opening moments of Grant Stone’s latest album, Hot After Dark, it’s abundantly apparent that this is an artist who draws inspiration from traditional country rock and blues.
The self-titled track, “Hot After Dark,” is driven by warm, enveloping piano chords and a sharp, infectious electric guitar riff — the tune is brimming to the surface with mean Hendrix-inspired licks, and even Stone’s vocals have that soothing, slick flair of ‘70s-era rockers. But Stone isn’t a one-trick pony, and he certainly proves that on “Wingship.” The blues essence is still there, but the vibe is mellow; this is a track for a road trip on a stunning, sunny day. It oozes with feel-good vibes. It’s a tender track with a contented aesthetic. Electric guitar riffs have become acoustic guitar riffs, and Stone’s delicate vocals are beautifully complemented by the soft acoustic strumming. I love the booming piano rock vibe of the opener, but this fragile change of pace really touched me. It demonstrates the versatility of Grant Stone’s discography, and that was my assessment after only listening to two tracks. The measured, punchy drumming of “Magic” definitely has a magical quality to it. Sorry, that was long-hanging fruit, but it’s true. I really miss that intimate feel that drums used to have on old records — Grant Stone brings that style back, but it feels fresh and vibrant, not stale and dated. He certainly knows how to complement a gentle guitar melody with muted, restrained drumming — take “Lady of my Reverie,” for example. The gentle layers of instrumentation allow plenty of breathing room for Stone’s vocals; and there are some breathtakingly pretty piano twinkles too. Hot After Dark wears its influences on its sleeves, but Grant Stone is more than a musician looking at the past through rose-turned glasses. He brings his own unique character and flavor to his latest album. Mesmerizing musicianship is on display here. Grant Stone’s vocals, in particular, absolutely blow me away. Please give this record a listen. It’s worth your time.
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