Stone Senses

On its sophomore album, Carlsbad’s Stone Senses has made that critical step from wearing its influences on its sleeve, to defining its own sound – establishing its own identity. Live it Up is a short but sweet collection that doesn’t over stay its welcome.

With two distinct lead vocalists it is hard not to listen to the album’s songs and categorize them into two separate groups. Particularly, as the accompanying music for each vocalist also seems separated in style. Eric Castaneda takes the lead on the more upbeat tunes like on the fiery title track, the ska bounce of Man on the Run and the funk, metal, reggae opus that is Burning Down. I am sure this rock experiment would be a blast to play live.

Guitarist and co-lead vocalist Mike O'Gara is the perfect counter balance to the “in your face” vocal style of Eric. Mike shines when he is at his quietest, like on: Someone to Hold, with its acoustic GnR Patience-like intro; the heart-break of Regret; and the straight-up acoustic re-recording of Broken Crown. However, he saves his best for the near to last track with My Little Angel, demonstrating a vocal soulful tenderness at a whole another level. Hopefully, his confidence will grow to try more stuff like this in the future.

It’s rare you can listen to an album and tell immediately where the band is from. One spin of Live it Up and you know… no you feel the sound is brewing from way down in the south of California. Building on its debut, this is a pretty great follow-up album. - The Pier