11 Song CD, 2003. By Shad Hills, Luis Galdames, Trevor Zimmerman and Moon. “Very slick, pro level in an indy style, I’ve been following the development of this band for over a year now, and they deliver with their debut album 11 tracks of Pop/Rock that is very listenable and solid. Using melody and intelligent lyrics, this album is a good presentation of the band’s range of talents, and I’d go see them in a club if they play near you, before they get snatched up by a corporation and are playing arenas, if you hear what I’m saying. If we had a music Pick of the Month running, this would be it!”-IS

We hear a lot of bands these days that offer up their own take on power-pop. Some mix it with elements of punk. Others go for a more 80’s feel. But very few take those elements and also reach back into the magic elements of 60’s power-pop, with its slightly psychedelic feel and bring it into the 21st century. The Strokes tried but don’t quite pull it off, but that is precisely what Stereo Three-Sixty accomplishes. In fact, this group lands somewhere between The Strokes and Weezer. And that’s a great thing. The album starts off with “Superstar” and you are immediately transported back to the late 60’s. Yeah, it’s retro and all, but damned if it doesn’t sound great! There is a reason that music is still popular today, and Stereo Three-Sixty seem to recognize that. “Automatic” gives us a bit of the 80’s new wave ala Split Endz. Some may consider it “emo” but it’s so much better than that. In fact, this is what most of the “emo” by the numbers band should aspire to create. This disc is loaded with plenty of ear candy. If you have a sweet spot of guitar driven power-pop with a heavy emphasis on melodic hooks then you will find a lot of love with this group. Stereo Three-Sixty is a testament to the fact that you can look back to those who came before and adopt the best elements of that music and make it all your own. This band does have what it takes to go the distance and are definitely a group to keep your eye on for great things to come.

These Los Angeles, California storytellers write lyrics that are self-reflecting, honest and insightful. Their music is guitar driven rock with shades of alternative, melodic and pop. The four core members, who are supported by talented guest players, have diverse musical backgrounds and influences, thus their eleven-track collection has a variety of sounds and moods. Edgy energy, enthusiasm and quality musicianship are the norm on this collection. The CD opens on a strong note with 'Superstar', which has a catchy beat, driving guitars and animated vocals. The hook line is the majority of the song but intriguing sounds and tones give the song depth and character. Hard rocking guitars, versatile vocals and a powerful beat make ‘Vasoline Mouth’ a standout track also. 'Sick of You' has dark angry reflective vocals and lyrics accented by rip roaring instrumentation.

Enjoy Your Life Poolside STEREO 360 Baby Pea Records www.stereo360.com This album features the melodic power rock/pop of an act that has captured many ears in the LA/So. Cal areas. I found the music to be smart, listenable and well crafted. 'Enjoy Your Life Poolside' presents the listener with music that melds many influences into a power pop. Songs like "Superstar" and "Automatic" display the rhythmic, melodic guitar work of HILLS and GALDAMES. The other players are solid in their own right. And vocal-wise they can sing. "Plastecine" was a cut that blended clangy ringing guitars augmented by solid singing. Even the lyrics offer some food for thought, something lacking in most pop tunes. On "California" the arrangement proved to be one of the best on the album. The beat is strong, fun, and even hints at a bit of rockabilly meets CHEAP TRICK in places. Guitar layering is good too. One fiery tune is "Vaseline Mouth" in that it leans towards harder rock. Check out the lead axe work. "Radio Parade" opens with a wall of ringing guitar sound but then thins out with nice bass work and a great chorus. Rock guitar blasts come in to spice up this fast-paced track. I liked the vocals. Quite good. "Don't Belong" was one of the more melodic power guitar tunes. It has a classic rock feel and is akin to a rock anthem. One of the best on the CD. This has a very polished feel. It is due to solid production values (RYAN GREEN NoFX, TONIC, etc.) and good equipment. The guitarists supposedly play into classic TUBE and VALVE driven amps cranked all the way up. This project is full of [more] good tunes like "Original" and "Restaurant." The latter reminds of THE CARS meet CHEAP TRICK. It was refreshing to hear songs that are about real life and down-to-earth subjects. No NOT boring but honest, gritty, and even fun. "Sick of You" is a bit of DEVO meets CARS meets a poppier STRAY CATS or even THE ROMANTICS (remember them?) This song is short, snappy, powerful, and offers its own attitude. We then come to the end of an exciting album. "Beautiful" (4:00) closes the project. There is a Lennonesque [vocal, lyrical] sense in the song. Yet the guitars remind of other acts. A very hi-energy emotive work. Overall this is a surprisingly good album from what is clearly a talented act. In my mind they are a refreshing blend of classic and modern, of older guitar rock and new smart power pop. They may remind at times of newer power British pop and also of older classic acts like maybe BIG COUNTRY in places. They are bound to go places and will grab the ear of smart programmers. The lyrics were real and didn't resort to violence or sexism or political correctness. And the singing was good. STEREO Three-sixy is for real and they deserve a listen. This review is-- Copyright 2004 by The CRITICAL REVIEW Service Eyeear7@Hotmail.com