1 Comment Written by Ezzzy on November 11, 2008 – 9:26 pm

Artist: Stella Dawes

Album: Contrasts

Rating: 8/10

Similar Artists: Majority rule, me and him call it us

Genre: Screamo, hardcore punk

Link: http://www.myspace.com/stelladawes

When I received this CD in the mail and started reading through the press release I have to admit I had a bit of a chuckle. ‘‘Stella Dawes grew from the frustration of being born and raised living in the middle of nowhere.’

‘Just like the rest of us’ I said to myself and thought nothing of it.

I started listening to Contrasts and was instantly grabbed in by its slow and intricate sounding guitars. This continues for almost a minute and then the roller-coaster hits the top of a hill and starts one hell of a frantic ride, not willing to stop for anybody in its path.

Lyrically i found these songs speak clearly. Backed up by strong delivery, epic guitars and drums which at times start and stop – leaving you feeling as though somebody/something has just hit you. This not only continues but develops into an adventure of fast and slow, light and dark. It is up and down but a lot of fun all the same.

‘There’s not much of a tale, but I’m sorta attached to it.’

Tracks 4, 7 and 8 are tracks that stood out to me. This band is a definite to keep an eye on. With this being an early release, I’m sure Stella Dawes can only grow as people and as a band – which in return can only make their drive more determined.

I have to mention the packaging of this cd as well: made from 100% recycled chipboard. This not only suprised but impressed me. Who ever thought of this idea for packaging rules!