Artist: Arc & Stones
Album: Arc & Stones EP
Genre: Rock, Alternative, Blues
For fans of: The Black Keys, Kings Of Leon, The Reign of Kindo

Arc & Stones is a young duo hailing from Brooklyn, New York, comprised of Dan Pellarin and Ben Cramer. Their debut EP will be released Feb. 12, 2013 and was produced and mixed by Jeremy Griffith at Singing Serpent Studios — which has an incredibly cool website –- right in the heart of New York City. At nearly 21 minutes in length shared between its 5 tracks, Arc & Stones’ self-titled EP debut contains a standard rock foundation and layers of its common sub-genres that display what these 20-somethings are capable of and provides promise and intrigue as to what’s within their reach and how they may be able to evolve for future efforts.

The EP opens with an utter confidence and conviction that’s exuded from Pellarin’s vocals, which initially resembles that of the Black Keys’ frontman, Dan Auerbach, but quickly expands to show that he has more to offer than a single borrowed sound. Immediately with only its first offering — “Silence” — the duo’s debut boasts an anthemic rock and soul attack that could easily find a comfortable recurring spot on the radio and charts alike. The only (“nitpicky”) mark against the track would be redundancy in the chorus but that could be said for most pop rock and chart-topping singles.

The third track, the EP’s longest, “Let Me Down,” displays even more soul and dedication in Pellarin’s vocal delivery, backed by a beautiful piano melody and a big, acoustic guitar sound. This is followed by the release’s most upbeat track, “She’s Mine,” full of attitude and somewhat of a southern rock vibe, further showcasing what expansions the band is really capable of. Overall, each of the five tracks has something to offer, even if each offering is essentially survived by the same influence.

What’s primarily a straight-forward rock and roll release in the group’s debut is very familiar, yes, but it manages to find a refreshing angle to bring something slightly new to a weary genre. If you still find yourself enjoying much of the rock found on the radio this year, Arc & Stones’ self-titled debut EP will likely find you well. It isn’t flawless by any means and more originality would do it wonders, but it’s certainly well-produced and this New York duo have constructed it with talent and heart and that’s evident in their solid sound.

Score: 7/10

Review written by: Brian Lion — Follow him on Twitter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a49ENUCqaFU

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Brian Leak

Editor-In-Chief. King of forgetting drinks in the freezer. Pop culture pack rat. X-Phile. LOST apologist.

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