Overall Impression: Lacing backwoods Country with high-octane Metal, Stoned Evergreen Travelers have conjured up a new sound that is wild, alluring, and slightly deadly. Angelville opens with a devilish atmosphere. Led by the fiddle, it instantly sinks its claws into the listener and does with them what it pleases. As the guitar groove kicks in, the tune takes on the shape of a wild animal and thrashes from side to side. Lyrically, Angelville tells the story of Jesse and his fiery fight with the devil. It’s a tale that should come with a warning label. The lyrics are sung with a jagged, Rock edge and given just the right amount of melodic catchiness. As the tune progresses, a killer breakdown paints a fight scene and sends the fiddle tearing through the stratosphere. Overall, Angelville by Stoned Evergreen Travelers is a hellishly good Hard Rock listen that burns fast and hot.
Strongest Point(s): The instrumental work and music in Angelville is wildly cool. The fiddle and heavy guitars work well together, and keep the interest high with killer melodies, riffs, and textures. There is so much attitude radiating off of Angelville that it is instantly set apart from other Hard Rock tunes. It should be noted that while it would be easy to make this blend of Country and Hard Rock cheesy and low-brow, Stoned Evergreen Travelers makes sure to create tunes that appeal to fans who are looking to really listen and appreciate artistic nuance.
About The Reviewer: Zachary Larson is a professional guitarist in New York City. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured the world as a classical chamber musician, onboard cruise lines, and with several Broadway musicals. His recorded work spans across Classical, Pop, and Experimental music. His arrangements are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.