- -- Release information ----------------------------------------------- -- -
Artist : Matt Sorum's Fierce Joy
Album : Stratosphere
Genre : Rock
Year : 2014
Label : Rok Dok
Cat# : ROKD1.2
Source : CDDA
Bitrate : 250Kbps
Size : 92,30 MB
Runtime : 51:12 min
URL : http://mattsorum.com/
- -- Tracklist -------------------------------------------------------- -- -
01. Intro - Stratosphere Part 1 00:22
02. The Sea 03:07
03. What Ziggy Says 03:22
04. For the Wild Ones 03:35
05. Goodbye to You 04:35
06. Gone 04:16
07. Lady of the Stone 04:11
08. Ode to Nick Drake 03:20
09. Blue 04:00
10. Josephine 04:07
11. Land of the Pure 05:36
12. Killers N Lovers 05:49
13. The Lonely Teardrop 03:21
14. Outro - Stratosphere Part 2 01:31
- -- Release notes ---------------------------------------------------- -- -
Over a storied career as the driving force behind The Cult and
later hard rock legends Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver;
drummer Matt Sorum has shared a hand in some of the world's
most recognizable music. Today, Sorum finds himself on the
other side of the big console as he has taken to producing
several acts as well as working on his own March scheduled
release of a solo disc titled Stratosphere.
A thirteen track effort with a smattering of different styles
and tastes; Stratosphere is a winner from start to finish if
you can appreciate variety.
The opening cut, "The Sea", features some great steel guitar
sounds wrapped in a decidedly "Americana" package. Even though
Sorum is from the west coast, the opening keyboard riff has a
Jersey shore feel, reminiscent of a South Side Johnny and The
Asbury Jukes composition. A neat opener quickly giving way to
a totally different vibe in the "Beatle-esque" offering, "What
Ziggy Says" really catches ones attention. Reminiscent of
vintage "Sgt. Pepper" material, the entrancing sounds and
circus effects are reminiscent of past psychedelia; an abrupt
change from the opener but unique enough to sustain interest
in the rest of this offering. A drum and bass beat kicks off
"For The Wild Ones" and sets the tone for this somewhat
intricate tune. A snarling vocal that would make Billy Idol
proud, permeates throughout this one; with lines like "A shark
stalker and a fire walker, the wolf child is living wild and
the bearÆs a punk rocker..." there's a definite edginess and
an '80's feel present. "Good Bye to You" is nothing like that
old Scandal hit from the glory days of MTV; it is more techno
based than any of the others on the disc. A haunting guitar
line seems to represent the sense of loss that Sorum conveys
in the lyric; nicely done in a pop style yet not contradicting
to the message. Once again, great guitar work reinforces the
more somber "Gone." The slow keyboard intro and halting vocal
phrases serve as foreshadowing for the feel of this
composition. The dynamics employed here would make this a
great fit for either film or television; the kind of scene
where the main character reflects back upon or seeks answers
as they look toward their future without their loved one.
"Lady of the Stone" seems to be an indictment of the world
and/or political climate of today. A somewhat Celtic feel is
present due to string parts that are intertwined with the
verses which make up this dark piece. This is one of several
on the disc that makes one think or give a second listen to in
order to get the message. "Ode to Nick Drake" revisits the
acoustic Americana/folk feel. The use of strings assists in
painting a picturesque summer time setting in conjuncture with
the once again, nice lyrical content. "Love is a boat on a
lake, just you and me and Nick Drake..." This is one of
several off of the CD where visuals are easily attained as
Sorum adds storyteller to his lengthy resume. "Blue" is a
short, upbeat ditty that despite its offbeat tone is a toe
tapper with an interesting bridge. The pace is next slowed by
the piano heavy "Josephine". Using only a background of
strings; the song once again evokes plenty of emotion from its
creator and is well presented. Well worth a few repetitions
before moving on to the next. "Land of the Pure" has a Middle
Eastern feel. Images of Morocco or Sultans commanding another
dance for their entertainment spring instantly to mind as this
song changes gears at mid-point with nice instrumentation and
foreign female vocals.
The blues are next up in another dark selection called
"Killers N Lovers". Vintage organ work, akin to something
revitalized from a long lost '60's psychedelic group is
prevalent on this track. The slow tempo and "...dark side of
town..." references are perfect for old school style
headphones and film flashback/fantasy sequences. A great
bridge section, featuring a hot sax solo, breaks the dower
mood up nicely before returning back to its original slower
tempo as the song crescendos towards its end. The remaining
two tracks are interesting. "The Lonely Teardrop" utilizes a
dripping water effect on and off though this acoustic piece.
Barely noticeable background instrumentation and effects add a
different feel to the arpeggio of the six strings. The closing
"Stratosphere" is better suited for a cult film or a
futuristic movie scene where the masses are herded like sheep
toward their shepherd. The church like organ and recitation of
the lyric really don't seem to fit the rest of this album.
Overall, it is a unique collection of music. There are upbeat,
slow, and some very dark lyrical content; done just well
enough where Sorum nicely conveys his emotions, yet leaves
much open for interpretation.
- -- ------------------------------------------------------------------ -- -
KLV is a division of KALEVALA, focusing on all things non-finnish.