Reviewed on Thursday July 2
Stevie Nicks’ ‘Edge Of Seventeen’ seems like a fitting song for Stonefield to take the stage. Barely out of their teens, they already have the credentials – and everyone loves a sibling power band, especially music journalists. But to their credit, there’s nothing gimmicky about Stonefield. They bounce around while banging out tunes and are perfectly modest in between songs. It’s serious business for the Findlay sisters.
The four-piece have become known for their take on classic rock, inspired by genre-makers such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Having made a name for themselves at home and abroad, Stonefield have built their popularity around a solid handful of punchy tracks with heavy guitars and screaming vocals; a polished homage to the ’70s (complete with platform shoes and thrashing hair). This kind of nostalgia seems to resonate with older rockers, clearly visible amongst the usual suspects.
‘Black Water Rising’ stood out against the rest of the catalogue – it’s a fierce track with bold riffs showcasing Amy Findlay’s ironclad vocals. Some of their songs tend to lack dynamic – wandering rock music that turns into a multi-instrumental cacophony. It’s a bit like the avant-garde trappings of The Doors or Pink Floyd.
Perhaps the jewel of the set was the first single, ‘Golden Dream’, from the new album set to be released later this year. Cultivating more of a psychedelic sound, this song is dreamy and textured; it’s less scream and more serenade. It seems there is a distinct shift between old and new. They also performed a cover of Santana’s version of ‘Black Magic Woman’, a tight tribute to one of their formative musical influences.
With supports from up-and-coming acts Magic Bones and Destrends, Stonefield put on a quality live show. Rather than sticking to straight rock, it seems the band has started branching out into new directions. Here’s hoping there’s much more to come.
