Single Review

Stillman – We Are The Trouble EP

• 17th Mar 2014

Stillman, or Chaz Craik as some call him, returns with this EP featuring three new tracks that add up to twelve minutes of fine rock music. The sound is very much reminiscent of the classic rock/ metal era (anyone else remember the New Wave of British Heavy Metal?) and the guitar work is superb throughout.

A massive riff straight from the UFO or Scorpions playbook sets the opening title track off before the vocals come in. The high pitched and slightly distorted lyrics sound a little off at first, but the key soon lowers and the song settles down into a lovely groove. A track like this deserves a good guitar solo, and Stillman is just the man to provide it, a typically fast and furious effort bursting through the mix.

Checking In opens with a slower, bluesy guitar sound that sets the tone for a more measured track with a nostalgic air and it works well. There’s also a blues feel to While Rome Burns, although the faster pace gives this one more of a rock vibe. The vocals are strong here and lyrics telling of decadence and avoidance relate to the modern world as well as to the ancient one. Needless to say, another fast, flowing guitar solo adds a lot to the track.

So another excellent, if short, EP from Stillman. There are not too many artists who have such a classic sound yet also manage not to appear dated. It’s a good trick for a rock musician, and Stillman has pulled it off once again.

Venue: We Are The Trouble EP
Support Band: self