Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Kurt Cobain's most tragic legacy has to be that his angst-filled punk
left the world with countless aging rockers who are still airing their
teenage grievances on the airwaves in the form of songs that become less
and less melodic with each album. Rock 'n' roll has become nothing more
than a sophomore journal set to music. That's why it's nice hear a band
with gravitas. And Fayetteville's Wooden Stares has just that.
Despite its emo-like title, A Story as Sad as It's Told doesn't spend
its time fretting about the cool kids and why mommy and daddy just don't
understand. The album is a solid debut from a promising band. From the
opening licks of "Supposed to Shine," A Story features many gut-busting
jams. The intricately arranged tunes display a pool of talent within the
band. At times Wooden Stares will remind you of a darker version of the
Cult or a harder-rocking My Morning Jacket. "Dark Circles" has an
ethereal quality to its chorus as vocalist Lance Lamberth's falsetto
floats on waves of distortion and reverb. "Red Metal Box" features
varied musical movements that hint at Moon over Antarctica-era Modest
Mouse. "Is Anyone Left" reeks of the Toadies.
A Story as Sad as It’s Told is a vigorous debut.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Article written by: Kody Ford
The Album was rated a B
- Arkansas Democrat Gazette
For Christmas, I sent my brother in Kuwait a care package, which included a copy of “A Story as Sad as It’s Told” by Wooden Stares. He called me last month and said it was a huge hit on the base camp among the officers. Naturally, when I told him the band was from Fayetteville he was shocked.
“It took us a little bit longer (to complete) than we thought.” said Lance Lamberth Wooden Stares vocalist and guitarist.
It’s something we’re really proud of,” said guitarist Brad Adams. Their time was well spent. The Wooden Stares Debut release was my most satisfying album purchase last year. Think of it like rock ambrosia for the music hungry.
Recorded by Ryan Winkle at Psychedelic Studios and Dwight Chalmers at the listen laboratory, with help of J.J. Harris, the album was worked over to near perfection.
“Anybody could veto any part of the recording of the recording,” said bassist Andrew Bauman.
The album is a psychological roller coaster of exciting melodies. It starts with a head bangers delight, “Supposed to Shine,” and then switches gears before punching “Machine.”
Songs like“5/6,” “Is anyone Left” and “The Way You force me to be/I have an Idea” show off the bands range, and unlike a lot of rock lyrics are inspirational: “I don’t only dream in my sleep I don’t hate feelings you bring.” They deal with personal experiences in away that anyone can relate to. But it’s the smooth transitions that that give listeners closure at the end of “Let It go,” along with a hidden tune. Then, like Space Mountain you want to ride it again. Its one thing to have a great album to leave behind when touring Dallas or Kansas City, Mo., but Wooden Stares reinforces its presence with a stellar live show.
“I hate it when bands just go through the motions,” said drummer Will Jennings.
There’s a lot of honesty in Lamberth’s statement, “If they (the audience) pay money to see us, were going to give it our all.”
The towering Lamberth appears on stage like a puppeteer making everyone’s head bang to each resonating string on the guitar. Who wouldn’t want to get onstage and play distorted guitar?” Lamberth asked.
In age when diluted rock rules the airwaves, the Wooden Stares is pure. Another appealing angle of the Wooden Stares is its optimism and intimacy with the audience. One Audience member approached the band after a show to say it was an emotional experience. Sending an email to the band will elicit a personal response from one of the band members.
The band’s cohesiveness is rooted in the members’ appreciation for each other and the music they make together. They also share an appreciation for fans and the rising scene in Fayetteville, which includes bands like Six Hung Sprung, Brighter Later, Deacon, Artificial Son, The Cars that Crash and Taught the Rabbits. They respect the power of the internet as a promotional tool. Lamberth said the band sells about 80% of the bands albums online at either www.woodenstares.com or www.myspace.com/woodenstares.
Feb. 23-march 1, 2006
by Jerry Oliver
- Fayetteville Free Weekly
Arkansas is not exactly known for bursting at the seams with talented bands. But thanks to Myspace, I can offer you Wooden Stares. Much like White Lightning, this quartet is potent and initially a bit disorienting. But after a few moments, it's smooth sailing. The haunting "Is There Anyone,"featuring the Eddie-Vedder-meets-John-Fogerty voice of Lance Lamberth, is currently one of my favorite songs, and might just become one of yours.
by: Megan Petty - loose record
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
From their base in Fayetteville, Arkansas, indie rock group Wooden Stares has combined a blue collar work ethic with a commanding stage presence to become one of the nation’s most acclaimed up-and-coming acts. The band’s debut album, A Story as Sad as It’s Told, has already been compared to Modest Mouse and the Toadies, and is jam-packed with tracks that ooze musical gravitas. “The album is a psychological roller coaster of exciting melodies,” says Jerry Oliver of the Fayetteville Free Weekly.
The band showcases a quartet of talented musicians – Lance Lamberth, Brad Adams, Andrew Bauman, and Will Jennings. Each one cut his teeth in Arkansas’ growing music scene, and joined forces two years ago to take their combined sound to the national stage. Featuring gut-busting jams, such as “Supposed to Shine,” as well as more ethereal tracks, such as “Dark Circles,” Wooden Stares keeps its audience guessing and continues to push musical boundaries. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette says: “Wooden Stares will remind you of a darker version of the Cult or a harder-rocking My Morning Jacket.”
A Story as Sad as It’s Told represents a labor of love for the band, combining classic guitar tones with original chord changes. Megan Petty, writer for Loose Record says that “Wooden Stares is a potent quartet from an otherwise barren music scene.” Wooden Stares’ sound is moody, driving rock that demands listening. Some songs drive like a bat to the stomach, while others are toned down to melodic ballads with echoes of sadness that displays Lamberth’s tremendous vocal range coupled with his inspirational lyrics.
Yet the band’s talent is not limited to the recording studio. Wooden Stares’ winner-take-all attitude towards its live performances has astonished critics and fans alike. “It was one of the best shows I’ve seen in the last year,” says John C. Stubblefield, bassist for fellow mid south band Lucero. The group has remained true to its grassroots following and consistently leaves the audience begging for more. “I hate it when bands just go through the motions,” says drummer Will Jennings. Luckily for its fans, Wooden Stares never fails to give 100 percent.
The band’s dynamic stage presence is led by Lance Lamberth, who commands the stage with each riff on his guitar. “If the audience pays money to see us, we’re going to give it our all,” he says. His statement explains why Wooden Stares has been so critically acclaimed: the group creates uncompromisingly original music and conveys its message to audiences through breathtaking live performances.
A Story as Sad as It’s Told is a truly original album from an exceptionally talented band. Wooden Stares’ unique sound and commanding stage presence have ensured that this Arkansas-based band is certain to get the national breakthrough it deserves.
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