Review: Stone Temple Pilots – Self-Titled

Sergio reviews Stone Temple Pilots’ self-titled release.

Artist Name: Stone Temple Pilots
Album Name: Stone Temple Pilots
Year: 2010
Genre: Rock

After nearly a decade since their last effort, Shangri-La Dee Da, the Stone Temple Pilots have managed to sort out their differences and release their eponymous sixth studio album.

The first thing that’s noticeable is the new direction, which is fuelled by a healthy dose of back-to-basics rock. The guitar sound is crunchier and possess an “old school” overdrive effect, while the groove is reminiscent of swinging 60s rock – it’s not going to get you headbanging, but you’ll still probably dance like a panda. The instrumentation is superbly complimented by lead singer Scott Weiland’s residing melodies and vocal skills. He has always been acknowledged as one of the best voices of his generation – in spite of his numerous run-ins with illegal substances and the law – and it’s great to see the band utilising him for all of his strengths, especially on tracks such as ‘Dare If You Dare’ and ‘Hickory Dichotomy’, which are nothing short of vocal masterpieces.

However, despite the careful inclusion of classic rock influences, Stone Temple Pilots isn’t a record that will change the landscape of rock ’n roll. Bassist/producer Robert DeLeo has said that Weiland wasn’t there for the creation of the songs musically, and this shows in the final product. While Weiland managed to throw in a few catchy melodies here and there, it’s almost a case of him having to work with what the other guys sent him – unlike an instinctive situation in a practice room where the whole band just knows whether a song will work or not. It’s obvious that there’s still some dissension in the ranks and until the band finally sorts out all of its issues and works together in unison, STP will not release revolutionary albums like earlier in their career. Overall, it’s good, but not good enough.

Best Tracks: ‘Between The Lines’, ‘Hickory Dichotomy’, and ‘Dare If You Dare’

65/100

- Sergio Pereira
sergio@musicreview.co.za
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