CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Stone Sour
“Audio Secrecy”
Roadrunner Records
Though the advance copy of Stone Sour’s highly anticipated new album, “Audio Secrecy,” that I received was marked “Not Final Master,” I’m positive that this is the Grammy-nominated Des Moines rock band’s best work to date. Where 2006’s critically acclaimed “Come What(ever) May” was a sonic blockbuster that produced three hit singles, “Audio Secrecy” feels more like a complete, cohesive album (though quite capable of spawning a few hits of its own). Certainly, it is the band’s darkest, deepest and hardest musical effort to date as singer Corey Taylor, guitarists James Root and Josh Rand, bassist Shawn Economaki and drummer Roy Mayorga seem to get better with time. From floor-shaking rockers like “Mission Statement,” “Digital,” “Nylon 6/6” and “Unfinished,” to heart-wrenching ballads like “Dying,” “Hesitate” and “Imperfect,” the musical flow and mood of “Audio Secrecy” is consistent and strong from top to bottom. CV
Damion Suomi
“Needs A Little Water”
P Is for Panda
Young, Florida-based singer-songwriter Damion Suomi (pronounced “sue-me”) has a knack for crafting intelligent songs about hope and despair that sound like a mix of Irish folk music and indie rock with a dash of gypsy folk. His new 3-song EP, “Needs A Little Water,” is an appropriate title given its short duration, but not for a lack of artistry. The first cut, “Mustard Seed,” is an uptempo tune that might be the highlight of the EP’s three tracks, fueled by Suomi’s rhythmic acoustic guitar and urgent vocals. “Burn the Pain” is a beautifully haunting ballad, while “The Lion, The Fish and The Ram” offers an even deeper lyrical message. “Needs A Little Water” is a good hint of what’s to come from this talented, upcoming artist. CV
(Damion Suomi performs an all-ages show on Thursday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Mary McAdams opens. $5.)
