STIR


"Holy Dogs" (Capitol; 2000)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Stir are composed of three childhood friends who put together a band while attending the University of Missouri-Columbia in St. Louis. They've got a Matchbox Twenty and Tonic sort of sound. That may sound a little poppy for Rough Edge but sometimes I like to expose readers to a different sound. A live Stir concert would not be full of scrunchies and bubble gum; a few of the tracks here will surprise you.

On "Holy Dogs," the guitar is melodic and the singer can actually sing. The band has a style that stands out. Their earlier efforts were hampered by low production values but "Holy Dogs" stepped a notch up. It may take a couple of listens to juice all the guitar out but the songs are well crafted and not so manufactured as to bore anyone.

The best songs here are "Superstation," "Climbing The Walls," "New Beginning," and "Stop Killing Me."

Stir: Andrew Schmidt - vocals; Brad Booker - drums; Kevin Gagnepain - bass.

For more information, check out http://www.stirband.com.


Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.


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Revised: 01 Apr 2024 11:14:18 -0500.