Written by Susie Salva
After nearly a decade hiatus, Stone Temple Pilots’ self-titled CD on Atlantic records has the band creating their most straight-forward rock album with a tinge of psychedelic music, pop-tracks and influences from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
While somewhat of a retro CD the band proves they have originality, purpose and incredible craft. Every song leaves an indelible mark with catchy tunes, intensity, and clever lyrics proving the band has skilled songwriters and that their lead singer Scott Weiland has one of the best voices in rock. The band is comprise of all original members including Scott Weiland, Dean DeLeo, Robert DeLeo, and Eric Kretz showcasing their potential, strength, willpower and creativity on this 12-song disc. The lyrics on the disc embrace love, life and desire. The music showcases hard rock tunes to soft ballads still keeping their integrity intact.
The group is proud of this self-produced CD encompassing all aspects of their music from start to finish and their most diverse collection of music in the bands career. “We know how to write songs with one another and that’s the major factor that allowed us to make this record on our own terms,” says Robert.
After one listen it is apparent that each individual member of the band has stepped it up on this album. “Between the Lines,” the lead track kicks off the proceedings as if to remind all fans that even after several long years away Stone Temple Pilots is, above all, a Rock band. Weiland’s no-apologies lyric rides a deliberately Dylan-influenced melody with a massive Pop hook in the chorus guaranteeing that the song will buzz around your brain long after the album has ended. STP throughout the entire album pays homage to Mott the Hoople, The Beatles and Davie Bowie.
“Huckleberry Crumble,” has an a nod to the Aerosmith guitar line played perfectly by the accomplished guitarist Dean DeLeo, “Hickory Dichotomy” and “Fast As I Can,” roll along like a freight train about to come off the rails but incorporate seasoned Country licks that would see out of place in the hands of less talented musicians. “Hickory Dichotomy,” is one of the strongest songs on the disc merging rock with groove stylings. “Dare If You Dare,” and the incredibly poppy, “Cinnamon,” recall the headiest ingredients of late ‘60s British Pop merged with the most contemporary of influences. “Maver,” is perhaps the song that benefits the most from the band’s arsenal of varied musical elements. “We always try to take influences from everywhere, whether it’s bossa-nova like we did on “Shangri-La-Dee Da,” or on a song like, “Maver,” which is very R&B,” explains Scott. “First Kiss of Mars,” is a ballad that harkens to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.”
The band is clever in merging straight-ahead rock, psychedelic music, and pop-influences which might initially scare off hard-core fans, but may open new listeners to this retro-rock album. By choosing not to retread old genera’s of music the band breathe life into all 12-songs on the disc. Stone Temple Pilots characterizers themselves as a band that like to push the envelope with new directions with each album and this self-titled album is no exception.
