THE STOICS

Listening to this album reminded me of the last time I played an old Avail album. And it wasn't even a musical similarity. It was the feeling. The Stoics are not politically or even thematically related to Avail, but they play with a sincerity that makes the audience understand that what they are hearing is honest and heartfelt. The Stoics play from their gut, and they do it loud and fast. Their energy might be confused with anger and frustration, but if you pay close attention (or better yet, see them live), you know better than to mark them down as just another pissed-off hardcore band. The Stoics are the last of a quickly-dying breed of musicians that fight with all their might and power to hold true to an idea that, unfortunately, is lost on today's self-absorbed, emo/brit-rocker wannabes. The Stoics are anything but self-absorbed. They play for the audience and their message is simply about being together. The same way that an Avail or Hot Water Music show can make an audience feel a positive and intense energy, The Stoics leave you feeling as if you are a part of something. Their music is about fighting against the daily grind that can bring people down and make them feel dead inside. Lyrically, The Stoics' songs can be political, but they are mostly directed towards opening people's eyes to the boundaries that can keep each of us apart. Even in the subcultures of music, there are divided cliques and groups. But The Stoics try hard not to let themselves be categorized. If they could have things their way, they would play shows with as many diverse bands as possible and bring all the audiences together. Put simply, The Stoics are about being alive and letting everyone know it. The Stoics will be going on a tour in September. You can also get info on the band by emailing them here.