Starry Messenger, the new CD from local Orlando band The Dropa Stone is art. The band’s complex musical arrangements incorporate a variety of musical influences into their music, taking the music beyond just an aural experience for listeners.The band members pride themselves on their musical diversity, and the nine Groove Rock based songs on Starry Messenger reflect that, without taking the music so far off the grid that it would only appeal to a select number of music fans.
For the most part, the multi-layered songs on this CD can be classified as Psychedelic/Neo-Progressive Rock music with a definite classic feel, like the opening songs “Vectors” and “Red Cloud.” The song “Other Worlds Than These” takes a more modern Alternative course, but finishes with a mixed Alternative/Progressive jam. The shimmering “Salsa Verde” and steady-beating “Kinski’s Spiral” also finish with lavishly textured jams.
Then, just as the listener feels confident that they have the band’s sound pegged, along comes “Catfish Blues,” a flat out Blues song, as terrific as it is surprising in its appearance. The CD closes with the sweeping, modern Rock “Sandcastles,” that combines bits of various elements such as distorted vocals, chunky guitars, and synthesizer.
While most bands that incorporate such a variety of diverse sounds into their music will get bogged down under the weight, the members of The Dropa Stone embrace the versatility and thrive, creating their unique sound and using it to their advantage. Starry Messenger will make a terrific addition to anyone’s CD collection.
Starry Messenger was produced by the band and Justin Beckler, an Orlando based singer/songwriter/musician/producer who is garnering quite a name for himself as a producer with several high quality/top rated CDs released under his tutelage, including this one.
While awaiting the CD release, music fans can check out the band on their official site, Reverbnation, Facebook page, You Tube channel, and Twitter feed.
The Dropa Stone’s next show is this Saturday, February 11 at The Hard Rock Orlando, with other local Orlando bands Ratham Stone and Mad Sexual Genius.
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