STUDIOTONE - Digital Radio 'Tuning Into the Complexities of Pop Without Sacrificing the Pleasure'
By Robert E. Martin - Photos by Kay McEntee
One of the problems with Modern Music is that it struggles so hard to be 'different' that it often loses track of the qualities that tune people into its inherent power. It isn't an easy task - remaining true to notions of harmonic & melodic construction while exploring the fringe of sonic ambiance, but on this long awaited new CD release by the mid-Michigan based band Studiotone, the power of tightly woven musicality is set against lyrical irony in nine carefully crafted songs that quickly get your body moving, leaving your mind to absorb the richness and depth embedded into the material with repeated listening.
Dispensing with all the 'jargon', this is simply one of the BEST releases on any level - be it regional or national - that I've heard all year. Recorded at Big Sky Studio in Ann Arbor, producer & engineer Gregg Leonard achieves a crisp, full, and clear sound that never becomes thin and embraces fully the sonic density of Studiotone's live performances.
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Singer Brent Nuffer |
Of course it helps that lead vocalist Brent Nuffer is blessed with a rich set of pipes that never become grating or irritating; indeed, Nuffer's vocal prowess is remarkably strong, possessing a welcome range that never screeches when it hits a high note, yet resonates with the distinct frontman clarity of a Scott Weiland or Eddie Vedder. |
And lest one get the impression that Studiotone is anything but a band, the prowess of lead guitarist Pete Schaller fully fuels the sound with an edginess that never becomes overbearing and melds like a tightly wound clock with the rhythm work of guitarist Bryan Mauro, whose voice also works with Nuffer's in strong soaring harmony, while bassist Keith Witt holds down the bottom-end with strength and agility.
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Guitarist Pete Schaller |
Guitarist Bryan Mauro |
Bassist Keith Witt |
Standout songs include the immediate propulsion of the kickoff track, Alien, the sardonic humor of the tuneful Studio 54, and the hip-shaking aggression of She's on the Machine. But in essence not one of the original tracks on this CD is a 'throwaway', which in my book only reinforces my belief that this Rock 'n Roll band is destined to become the hands-down heir apparent for national success earned by fellow Lansing progeny such as the Verve Pipe.
Radio stations in this area should get hip to the power of this music and start putting this CD into rotation. And meanwhile, be sure to pick up your copy on October 5th during the Fall Pub Crawl, when Studiotone has their CD Release Party at the Hamilton St. Pub in Saginaw.
