Stop the World Feeding on the Empty

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by Joe Mis
Staff Writer

Feeding On The Empty is the latest from South Philly’s own Stop The World. STW was formed from bits and pieces of other local Philadelphia bands, and it seems that they may have found ideal chemistry, as this is a truly good release.

Stop The World plays late ‘80s influenced hard and grunge rock with a modern and updated sound. Obviously influenced by the greats of the ‘80s and ‘90s, their music brings to mind Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, Alice In Chains and Stone Temple Pilots among others. They are not a copy band in any way, but somehow they manage to meld elements of the old bands into a more sleek and modern sound, almost creating a new genre of modern grunge. Whatever you might consider it, STW’s music is solid, driving hard rock and well worth a listen.

Stop The World is a talented group. Lead vocalist Bert Lepore has a good voice for this style of music, occasionally harsh, usually gritty, and always energetic. The guitar duo of Joe Fortino and Tommy Greco has the hard rock thing down to an art. They make a great pair and combine to lay down some complex and hooky lines, playing subtly when needed but they mostly seem to enjoy being fully in your face. The rhythm section seems to be the real driving force behind the music. Joe Mal lays down some incredible bass tracks, thick and juicy. He is a real musician and actually plays “bass guitar”. Drummer Steve Tabilio has a knack for putting just the right amount of flash into his playing without dominating the song, and he is an excellent team player. Together they make hard rock with real bite and a solid groove.

There are musical highlights on almost every track: the GNR/STP-like grooves of “Firewater,” “Enemy” and “Strangeman”; the spooky sounding buildup from the opening to the amazing guitar solo of “The Burning”; the kicky rhythm line and full-throated screams of “Dirty”; Lepore’s fine vocals and catchy chorus on “Chem A Kill”; the Alice In Chains vocal harmonies in “Blue”; the high energy and toe-tapping induced by “Rainmaker” and “Suicide Love Machine”; and the haunting acoustic guitar of the melancholy “Butterfly.”

The production and engineering are very good for an indie release, in fact very good by any standards. The instruments are well balanced and fully audible, the vocals are crisp and clean, and the entire CD just has a warm, rich and “real” sound.

Feeding On The Empty is a fine album – catchy hard/grunge rock that is executed to perfection. Not sanitized or sterile by any means, but not offensive either. Stop The World manages to straddle the line without a problem, making good solid music and standing above most of the hard rock wannabe bands. Fans of the genre will really enjoy this album. Very recommended!

Label: Unsigned

Web: http://www.myspace.com/stwrocks

Track Listing:
01. Firewater
02. Enemy
03. The Burning
04. Dirty
05. Strangeman
06. Chem A Kill
07. Blue
08. Rainmaker
09. Suicide Love Machine
10. Butterfly

HRH Rating: 8.5 / 10