Album Notes

Last Stone Cast :: Life Construed
CD Review

By Kim Thore

Last Stone Cast :: Life Construed
Blasting out of the Akron, Ohio rock scene into your speakers is the latest release from the power trio known as Last Stone Cast. Having just produced their first full length cd, entitled “Life Construed”, it is clear that LSC has gotten remarkably closer to finding their niche as “Life Construed” is a notable departure from their previous work. What is equally remarkable is that while “Life Construed” is a step up from their self titled EP both offerings are significant in their own right which begs the question what sound or genre is left for LSC to conquer as it is obvious that this trio has the chops to explore numerous directions without getting lost on the way and each destination is a sonic pleasure ride.

Comprised of Scott McConnell on vocals, Jon Epstein on bass and Billy Morrison on drums , LSC manages to give you the sound of stadium swagger which demonstrates their capacity and flair for producing a resonance that is simultaneously packing a punch and a coziness.

Last Stone Cast :: Life ConstruedWith “Life Construed” McConnell’s impressive vocal range, lead guitar shredding and lyric abilities are able to be fully opened up which was promising in the prior EP, but wholly realized in songs like “Take Me Home”, “To Myself”, “Who’s to Say?” and “Save Me”. The resulting “trifecta” of putting together the talents of local music luminary, Epstein on bass and Morrison on drums is a spot on backdrop. Epstein is never not in the pocket – he plays with a steady, uncompromising and at times funky groove with an Entwistle-esque style and Morrison is thankfully not overplaying but is a steady stick man who knows how to add an understated twist that boosts the tracks and doesn’t overpower them. Produced by Jon Epstein and mixed and mastered by Billy Morris (former guitarist for Warrant, Quiet Riot, Racer X) gives “Life Construed” an impressive pedigree.

In short, “Life Construed” is a prodigious, palatable, and play list worthy cd that has all of the promise to be Last Stone Cast’s seminal release.

5.0 Stars