Arc & Stones ‘Rise’ EP Review: The Moody New Blues

Brooklyn-based foursome Arc & Stones is an anomaly.

Although their sound is without a doubt rock, there are elements of jazz, blues and alternative on their five-track EP “Rise” that when combined, create tunes that can barely be classified by a genre.

For those that don’t know, that’s a good thing. Bands don’t like sounding like anyone else. While Arc & Stones do share similarities with other groups, their presentation is completely unique.

As a result, their EP is amazing.

Proof of this comes quickly in the form of “Let Me Down,” the type of moody and emotional song that will immediately draw the band comparisons to acts the likes of The Fray/Gavin DeGraw. Lead singer Dan Pellarin makes you feel something as he sings about a love gone wrong with a breathy and soulful, yet reckless abandon.

His voice, at times feels stolen from a Motown album, but has the desperation and sensibilities of the late-Amy Winehouse, only masculine.

Muddy Waters would be proud.

The added acoustic guitar and piano elements and eventual a cappella with the rest of the band is a beautiful touch. This song would work just as good in a small bar as it would a huge arena. It’s got “it.”

Pellarin hits similar notes in “Say Goodbye,” another groovy, soulful acoustic track with rock elements. But this time, the band turns it up for the chorus as drummer Joey Doino and lead guitarist Ben Cramer steal the show with an excellent drumline and main lick. This track proves the band has more than sappy ballads in them.

“She’s mine” continues that trend with a faster, harder track with some catchy bass work from Eddy Bays and more fun riffs from Cramer. Here, the band has a definite Queens of the Stone Age/ Stone Temple Pilots feel, but the note holding and soul of Pellarin gives the band such a unique feel. Again, while their approach to music is like plenty of bands, as the songs have simple structure, their execution, with Pellarin’s voice, tight bass and drum work and sonically smooth lead guitar, prove this group can do anything they want musically.

If there was any doubt to their rock roots however, the EP’s title track “Rise” lacks many of the more extras that other songs on the collection have. More a quick and catchy rock track, it’s got bar room potential. Thanks to Doino on drums, you’ll be bouncing your foot on the ground with this one. Although this is more straight ahead than the other songs, again, it proves Arc & Stones, in their heart of hearts, are a legit rock band.

Currently in Kickstarter mode for a second album, it’s safe to say that if the band continues to produce music, it’s only matter of time until they ditch the indie scene. Bands this good shouldn’t have to ask anyone for anything.