Rough Edge: 12 Stones CD Reviews

12 STONES

"Potter's Field" (Wind-up; 2004)

"Potter's Field" is a natural progression for 12 Stones. On this CD, the band steps a little bit further away from their Creed sound-alike to a little bit closer to having a sound they can call on their own.

The eleven tracks on "Potter's Field" are all fiery, accessible rockers, the kind of songs with killer guitar riffs and obvious, well-placed vocal hooks. The band sounds tight and sharp, and the album's fine production doesn't hurt. Not only is the mix perfectly balanced but everything sounds crisp and warm.

This album probably won't appeal much to those who didn't like the band's earlier CD but, if you did ... or if you thought the self-titled CD was a little too emulative of Creed, then "Potter's Field" will probably be more to your liking.

12 Stones: Paul McCoy - vocals; Eric Weaver - guitar; Greg Trammell- bass; Aaron Gainer - drums.

For more information, check out www.12stones.com.

"12 Stones" (Wind-up; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

In the world of music criticism (and rock snobbery), it's common these days to diss bands like Creed and other popular post-grunge bands. As seems to be my place in life, however, I'm going to go against the grain and admit that I like these bands. I like their accessible, chord-laden pseudo-metal and I like the emotion that goes into it. Hell, I probably even like the formula of it all. I know what to expect when I listen and, by God, that's exactly what I get.

That doesn't mean I won't eventually get sick of it, however, much as I am tired these days of all the Blink 182 clones out there.

12 Stones is somewhat of a Creed soundalike, and that shouldn't be surprising since the Wind-up label has made its fortune out of that sound. Having bands like Drowning Pool and Seether on the same label doesn't hurt either. 12 Stones' sound is closer to Creed than those other bands and, once again going out on a rock'n'roll limb here, that's not a bad thing. (Yes, I like Creed, too). Their sound is just different enough, however, that you'll know the difference between a Creed song and a 12 Stones song when you hear them on the radio. 12 Songs is a little more "metal" than Creed, but not quite as "metal" as Drowning Pool.

So far, the Wind-up label has shown a particularly sharp eye for signing new talent and 12 Stones are no exception. Their self-titled album is solid and consistent throughout and fans of the other bands on Wind-up will probably be a fan of 12 Stones, too.

12 Stones: Paul McCoy - vocals; Eric Weaver - guitar; Kevin Dorr - bass; Aaron Gainer - drums.

For more information, check out www.12stones.com.

"12 Stones" (Wind-up; 2002)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Real estate has the buzz word “location” associated with it and 12 Stones should have the expression “marketing” allied with them. Signed to Wind-Up Records and modeling the Creed sound, these guys have crafted a great album. They also have a Three Doors Down sound as well. (With all these number named bands I find myself attempting mental math to see if there is some significance.)

12 Stones merge hard-rocking guitars with solos and excellent vocals. I won’t be handing out any blue ribbons just yet but their formula works for me. They don’t offer up any candy coated pop and they rock just hard enough to keep their sales going.

I know that Wind-Up seems to produce as many acts as they can that mirror Creed’s sound, and so what? If “The Donald” changed his hairstyle it would be hard to recognize him as well. Wind-Up has found what sells and if you like their choice by way of one band then you won’t be disappointed here.

"12 Stones" may be considered a cookie cutter release but at least Wind-Up changes the batter every now and then. When searching for 12 Stones you will find them under Christian rock.

The best stones are “Crash,” “Broken,” “The Way I Feel,” and “Open Your Eyes.”

12 Stones: Paul McCoy - vocals; Eric Weaver - guitar; Kevin Dorr - bass; Aaron Gainer - drums.

For more information, check out www.12stones.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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