STONETHROW

Make no mistake, StoneThrows first EP '‘The Spark and The Flame’' is one of a kind.

To start, Legal Enough is the heaviest & best song on the album. This one actually deserves the GNR meets Alterbridge comparison with great riffs by Jonathan, Alex and Shawn that powers the verses, flowing into a huge chorus and a harmonized bridge between the singing that is surprisingly 90's Alternative rock. What a start, just to be followed by The Long Kiss Good Night, a song that maintains the energetic pace just to slow you down with Shades of You. On this track Jonathan Ingram comes in with a clear, vulnerable vocal from the first guitar chords, that has you completely believing the lyrics. Lesson 2 is a catchy tune that especially shows control, power, range, and emotion -- all at the same time powered by an upbeat rhythm from drummer T.J. Taylor and ending with a blues / rock tune called Led Astray.

Where would StoneThrow go from here? It's totally up to them but they have the formula to make it happen.They just have to be patient and follow through to what they may become....


- aj-n-dbs.com

Make no mistake, StoneThrows first EP '‘The Spark and The Flame’' is one of a kind.

To start, Legal Enough is the heaviest & best song on the album. This one actually deserves the GNR meets Alterbridge comparison with great riffs by Jonathan, Alex and Shawn that powers the verses, flowing into a huge chorus and a harmonized bridge between the singing that is surprisingly 90's Alternative rock. What a start, just to be followed by The Long Kiss Good Night, a song that maintains the energetic pace just to slow you down with Shades of You. On this track Jonathan Ingram comes in with a clear, vulnerable vocal from the first guitar chords, that has you completely believing the lyrics. Lesson 2 is a catchy tune that especially shows control, power, range, and emotion -- all at the same time powered by an upbeat rhythm from drummer T.J. Taylor and ending with a blues / rock tune called Led Astray.

Where would StoneThrow go from here? It's totally up to them but they have the formula to make it happen.They just have to be patient and follow through to what they may become....


- aj-n-dbs.com

STONETHROW is a modern rock trio from the southeastern U.S. The band is made up of Jonathan Ingram (vocals/guitar), Alex Martinez (bass), and Thomas Branch (drums). The trio has shared the stage with bands like Candlebox, Fuel, Taproot, and Saliva, just to name a few. The Spark and the Flame is the band’s debut EP.

You can get a good sense of the bands style by the aforementioned acts they’ve played with, but the songs tend to be radio friendly sounding rock tunes full of big hooks and heavy riffs. The opening two tracks, “Legal Enough” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight” are prime examples of this style. STONETHROW changes it up on the third track, “Shades of You,” which I found to be reminiscent of Staind’s “So Far Away.” Then it’s back to business on “Lesson 2,” which is in the same vein as the first couple tracks.

The song I enjoyed most on The Spark and the Flame was the closing track, “Led Astray.” It’s a more classic tune where the guys get more in touch with their southern roots. It starts slower and builds into a bigger rock song before it’s all said and done. While all of the songs were well written, they had a familiar sound. This could be both good and bad in the long run. It’s probably a good thing now, but STONETHROW probably wants to have more of their own sound in time. “Led Astray” offered this most, and adding this southern style to the heavier tunes would help take this good EP into an even better full-length down the road.

Key Tracks: Legal Enough, Led Astray

Kevin Kozel - Sr. MuzikReviews.com Staff

October 25, 2013 - Muzicreviews.com - Kevin Kozel

STONETHROW is a modern rock trio from the southeastern U.S. The band is made up of Jonathan Ingram (vocals/guitar), Alex Martinez (bass), and Thomas Branch (drums). The trio has shared the stage with bands like Candlebox, Fuel, Taproot, and Saliva, just to name a few. The Spark and the Flame is the band’s debut EP.

You can get a good sense of the bands style by the aforementioned acts they’ve played with, but the songs tend to be radio friendly sounding rock tunes full of big hooks and heavy riffs. The opening two tracks, “Legal Enough” and “The Long Kiss Goodnight” are prime examples of this style. STONETHROW changes it up on the third track, “Shades of You,” which I found to be reminiscent of Staind’s “So Far Away.” Then it’s back to business on “Lesson 2,” which is in the same vein as the first couple tracks.

The song I enjoyed most on The Spark and the Flame was the closing track, “Led Astray.” It’s a more classic tune where the guys get more in touch with their southern roots. It starts slower and builds into a bigger rock song before it’s all said and done. While all of the songs were well written, they had a familiar sound. This could be both good and bad in the long run. It’s probably a good thing now, but STONETHROW probably wants to have more of their own sound in time. “Led Astray” offered this most, and adding this southern style to the heavier tunes would help take this good EP into an even better full-length down the road.

Key Tracks: Legal Enough, Led Astray

Kevin Kozel - Sr. MuzikReviews.com Staff

October 25, 2013 - Muzicreviews.com - Kevin Kozel

Hello there people of the world. It feels so good to be back & posting again after WordPress 3.6 sent the Skope site into a tailspin. Before we begin today I just want to speak on fame. Fame is something that so many people would kill for but what are we asking for exactly?! You can use fame for good or for evil. When I saw Miley Cyrus jerk off Robin Thicke on the VMAs it kind of made me think. Here is a young woman who has been so blessed but instead of inspiring young girls for good she is pushing them towards drug abuse & sex. If that is fame, then leave me out. I do not have to worry about my guests today acting like Miley but I can expext some kick ass music. Please get to know Stonethrow from Atlanta, GA. These three musicians have created a 4 song EP ‘The Spark and The Flame’ and with songs like “Legal Enough” and “Lesson 2? I am a new fan. Join me today as we talk about the history of the band, staying motivated in music, downloads vs streaming, and so much more!

Stoli: Where are we talking from today and how has your summer been so far?

Hi! First off, we would like to say thanks to Skope Magazine for having us! We are joining you today from our home studio just north of Atlanta, GA. It’s been a record breaking wet and stormy summer down this way for us, but I guess its better than the 100 degree days we’re used to this time of year.

Stoli: What is summer like in Atlanta, and what do you enjoy doing in town during time off?

Typically you’ll have very hot muggy summers with plenty of lake activity, but this year it’s been more like Seattle climate. hard to plan anything outdoors with the heavy rains. We stay pretty busy with side projects and studio work, so our ‘time off’ is really just time spent playing more music.

Stoli: Give us a brief history on how you three came together and how did you come up with the name STONETHROW?

STONETHROW was originally a 4-piece comprised of two of us (Alex and Jonathan) from here in GA, alongside our original drummer and 2nd guitarist who were from Lexington, Kentucky. We were paired together at the outset of the project by the independent label we were originally signed to that was based there in Kentucky. When the label dissolved, we decided to centralize our efforts back to one area and after several rounds of trial and error, finally landed Thomas on drums. The name was kind of a play on the distance between our 2 bases of operation (a stone’s throw apart) as well as a reference to some of the backlash that Jonathan took from leaving the band he was with to launch this project (having stones thrown at him). The phrase kept popping up, so we figured it represented us pretty well.

Stoli: I am really loving your debut EP, ‘The Spark and the Flame.’ How long did you work on that and where did you record the music?

Thanks! ‘The Spark and The Flame’ EP was recorded in Lexington, KY in October of 2010 over the course of 8 days. 8 18+ hour days. We tracked 7 songs in total, 5 of which made the record. We later finished off an acoustic version of one of the songs ‘The Real You’ and made it available with the digital download purchases.

Stoli: Your group is a trio with Jonathan, Alex, & Thomas. Explain what each member brings to Stonethrow and are you friends beyond the band as well?

Yes, we have great friendships outside of STONETHROW. Jonathan and Alex have known each other for years. Thomas fit right in when he came on board. Collectively we have lots of middle ground on our musical influences, which allows our collaborative songwriting to thrive. While Jonathan writes the majority of the foundation and arrangement of the music, the initial idea is often time sparked by some riff or piece that Alex or Thomas will come up with and it takes off from there. We have interesting blends of external influences though. Jonathan is heavily rooted in country influences, while Alex is into lots of the 90's grunge era, and then you have Thomas bringing in a blend of vintage rock/funk and even some of the modern electronic type stuff. So there are a lot of different directions we can go once we take off on an idea.

Stoli: Your stats on your fact sheet are so impressive. The music biz is not easy but you guys are thriving. Explain your work effort and the fire that you have to succeed and stay motivated?

Its a difficult industry, but its a changing industry. There really is no blueprint for success anymore with the explosion of digital media outlets and exposure opportunities. It seems like that gives bands the advantage. The endless possibilities and avenues that are present today make it easy to stay motivated. You are always one licensing opp or youtube video away from huge traffic boosts.

Stoli: You guys have supported major label acts like Fuel, Candlebox, Saliva and many more. What group would you say was really cool with you & you were able to learn from?

We always try to really focus learn from the national acts that - SKope Magazine

Hello there people of the world. It feels so good to be back & posting again after WordPress 3.6 sent the Skope site into a tailspin. Before we begin today I just want to speak on fame. Fame is something that so many people would kill for but what are we asking for exactly?! You can use fame for good or for evil. When I saw Miley Cyrus jerk off Robin Thicke on the VMAs it kind of made me think. Here is a young woman who has been so blessed but instead of inspiring young girls for good she is pushing them towards drug abuse & sex. If that is fame, then leave me out. I do not have to worry about my guests today acting like Miley but I can expext some kick ass music. Please get to know Stonethrow from Atlanta, GA. These three musicians have created a 4 song EP ‘The Spark and The Flame’ and with songs like “Legal Enough” and “Lesson 2? I am a new fan. Join me today as we talk about the history of the band, staying motivated in music, downloads vs streaming, and so much more!

Stoli: Where are we talking from today and how has your summer been so far?

Hi! First off, we would like to say thanks to Skope Magazine for having us! We are joining you today from our home studio just north of Atlanta, GA. It’s been a record breaking wet and stormy summer down this way for us, but I guess its better than the 100 degree days we’re used to this time of year.

Stoli: What is summer like in Atlanta, and what do you enjoy doing in town during time off?

Typically you’ll have very hot muggy summers with plenty of lake activity, but this year it’s been more like Seattle climate. hard to plan anything outdoors with the heavy rains. We stay pretty busy with side projects and studio work, so our ‘time off’ is really just time spent playing more music.

Stoli: Give us a brief history on how you three came together and how did you come up with the name STONETHROW?

STONETHROW was originally a 4-piece comprised of two of us (Alex and Jonathan) from here in GA, alongside our original drummer and 2nd guitarist who were from Lexington, Kentucky. We were paired together at the outset of the project by the independent label we were originally signed to that was based there in Kentucky. When the label dissolved, we decided to centralize our efforts back to one area and after several rounds of trial and error, finally landed Thomas on drums. The name was kind of a play on the distance between our 2 bases of operation (a stone’s throw apart) as well as a reference to some of the backlash that Jonathan took from leaving the band he was with to launch this project (having stones thrown at him). The phrase kept popping up, so we figured it represented us pretty well.

Stoli: I am really loving your debut EP, ‘The Spark and the Flame.’ How long did you work on that and where did you record the music?

Thanks! ‘The Spark and The Flame’ EP was recorded in Lexington, KY in October of 2010 over the course of 8 days. 8 18+ hour days. We tracked 7 songs in total, 5 of which made the record. We later finished off an acoustic version of one of the songs ‘The Real You’ and made it available with the digital download purchases.

Stoli: Your group is a trio with Jonathan, Alex, & Thomas. Explain what each member brings to Stonethrow and are you friends beyond the band as well?

Yes, we have great friendships outside of STONETHROW. Jonathan and Alex have known each other for years. Thomas fit right in when he came on board. Collectively we have lots of middle ground on our musical influences, which allows our collaborative songwriting to thrive. While Jonathan writes the majority of the foundation and arrangement of the music, the initial idea is often time sparked by some riff or piece that Alex or Thomas will come up with and it takes off from there. We have interesting blends of external influences though. Jonathan is heavily rooted in country influences, while Alex is into lots of the 90's grunge era, and then you have Thomas bringing in a blend of vintage rock/funk and even some of the modern electronic type stuff. So there are a lot of different directions we can go once we take off on an idea.

Stoli: Your stats on your fact sheet are so impressive. The music biz is not easy but you guys are thriving. Explain your work effort and the fire that you have to succeed and stay motivated?

Its a difficult industry, but its a changing industry. There really is no blueprint for success anymore with the explosion of digital media outlets and exposure opportunities. It seems like that gives bands the advantage. The endless possibilities and avenues that are present today make it easy to stay motivated. You are always one licensing opp or youtube video away from huge traffic boosts.

Stoli: You guys have supported major label acts like Fuel, Candlebox, Saliva and many more. What group would you say was really cool with you & you were able to learn from?

We always try to really focus learn from the national acts that - SKope Magazine

StoneThrow is poised to deliver with crunchy guitars, gritty vocals and all the hooks you’d ever need to reel in a big label deal. This album is a great indication of what the band can become with more time together and the experience it takes to learn each other’s capabilities.

Highlights for me are the rockers The Long Kiss Goodnight, Legal Enough and the Southern ballad Shades Of You.

????? 4 out of 5 Stars. \m/O.o\m/ Rock. Nothing But..Approved!
- Rock. Nothing But. - Music Blog

Artist: StoneThrow
Album: The Spark and the Flame
Review by Gary Hill

This hard rocking quartet aren’t the most musically original band around, but what they do, they do well. A lot of their music sits in the territory occupied by modern rock bands that reach towards alternative rock. That’s sort of the Theory of a Deadman school of modern rock that seeks to pull in Nickelback type audiences with their cross-overs. Interestingly enough, that type of music often sounds completely soul-less and tired. These guys manage to do it without getting a lot of the negatives attached. They don’t really bring anything new to the table on those types of numbers, yet it still doesn’t feel trite. That’s quite a feat.

“Legal Enough” pounds in heavy and very aggressive then it drops to a stripped arrangement for the verse, but then fires out to seriously ferocious sounds from there. The chorus is catchy. The overall approach on this tune is quite generic, yet these guys do it so well that it doesn’t really matter. Even though this isn’t original, it’s very effective and stands well against the competition.

The rhythm section brings “The Long Kiss Goodnight” in and then it powers out to more aggressive alternative rock. This is the kind of music that sits somewhere between alternative rock and hard rock. Again, this piece isn’t very original, but these guys do it well enough that it doesn’t matter.

“Shades of You” isn’t about originality, but it’s different than the previous two cuts. It’s set more in the modern alternative rock tradition of the arena rock ballad. Once again, these guys do such a good job on the sound that it doesn’t really matter that there’s no new territory built into this. It’s good enough to work quite well.

While the first two cuts covered the type of music that fits between alternative rock and modern rock, with the balance landing closer to the alternative rock side, “Lesson 2” follows the same musical concepts, but resting closer to the hard rock end of the spectrum. Once more, originality isn’t really shown, but this is good enough that it can be overlooked.

Listeners seeking signs of creativity in terms of originality in StoneThrow will be drawn to “Led Astray.” There are still hints of that alternative rock sound to be found, but the cut is really rooted in an older hard rock tradition. They don’t reinvent the wheel here, but the change-up shows they are capable of stretching their sound and creating more unique musical concepts than the “sound of the day.” References to Black Crowes wouldn’t be unwarranted, but this has a lot of other sounds on display, too. The cut features harder rocking sections that reach towards the alternative rock directions and retro instrumentation for a nice contrast.

The EP has one bonus track in “The Real You (Acoustic)” The vocals have a raw, bluesy sort of element and the song rocks, despite being an acoustic number. It’s got some intricate and extremely tasty guitar work. The vocals seem to get a little out of control at times on the cut, but in a lot of ways that adds to the raw energy presented.

StoneThrow show with this set that they are extremely talented and can entertain. They also show that, while originality isn’t their strong suit, they’ve got some aptitude towards it. The group has only been together since 2010 and many big name bands had first albums that were derivative. So, there’s a good chance that as StoneThrow continues, they’ll begin to develop a more unique sound. As good as this release is without that huge spark of originality, it’s a good bet more creative works from this band would be even stronger.

Review by Gary Hill
Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)
- Gary Hill - Reviewyou.com

Artist: StoneThrow
Album: The Spark and the Flame
Review by Gary Hill

This hard rocking quartet aren’t the most musically original band around, but what they do, they do well. A lot of their music sits in the territory occupied by modern rock bands that reach towards alternative rock. That’s sort of the Theory of a Deadman school of modern rock that seeks to pull in Nickelback type audiences with their cross-overs. Interestingly enough, that type of music often sounds completely soul-less and tired. These guys manage to do it without getting a lot of the negatives attached. They don’t really bring anything new to the table on those types of numbers, yet it still doesn’t feel trite. That’s quite a feat.

“Legal Enough” pounds in heavy and very aggressive then it drops to a stripped arrangement for the verse, but then fires out to seriously ferocious sounds from there. The chorus is catchy. The overall approach on this tune is quite generic, yet these guys do it so well that it doesn’t really matter. Even though this isn’t original, it’s very effective and stands well against the competition.

The rhythm section brings “The Long Kiss Goodnight” in and then it powers out to more aggressive alternative rock. This is the kind of music that sits somewhere between alternative rock and hard rock. Again, this piece isn’t very original, but these guys do it well enough that it doesn’t matter.

“Shades of You” isn’t about originality, but it’s different than the previous two cuts. It’s set more in the modern alternative rock tradition of the arena rock ballad. Once again, these guys do such a good job on the sound that it doesn’t really matter that there’s no new territory built into this. It’s good enough to work quite well.

While the first two cuts covered the type of music that fits between alternative rock and modern rock, with the balance landing closer to the alternative rock side, “Lesson 2” follows the same musical concepts, but resting closer to the hard rock end of the spectrum. Once more, originality isn’t really shown, but this is good enough that it can be overlooked.

Listeners seeking signs of creativity in terms of originality in StoneThrow will be drawn to “Led Astray.” There are still hints of that alternative rock sound to be found, but the cut is really rooted in an older hard rock tradition. They don’t reinvent the wheel here, but the change-up shows they are capable of stretching their sound and creating more unique musical concepts than the “sound of the day.” References to Black Crowes wouldn’t be unwarranted, but this has a lot of other sounds on display, too. The cut features harder rocking sections that reach towards the alternative rock directions and retro instrumentation for a nice contrast.

The EP has one bonus track in “The Real You (Acoustic)” The vocals have a raw, bluesy sort of element and the song rocks, despite being an acoustic number. It’s got some intricate and extremely tasty guitar work. The vocals seem to get a little out of control at times on the cut, but in a lot of ways that adds to the raw energy presented.

StoneThrow show with this set that they are extremely talented and can entertain. They also show that, while originality isn’t their strong suit, they’ve got some aptitude towards it. The group has only been together since 2010 and many big name bands had first albums that were derivative. So, there’s a good chance that as StoneThrow continues, they’ll begin to develop a more unique sound. As good as this release is without that huge spark of originality, it’s a good bet more creative works from this band would be even stronger.

Review by Gary Hill
Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)
- Gary Hill - Reviewyou.com