Man, the Copro label is really off with a flying start this year! After I-Def-I (Melodic MetalCore) and Ninefold (Hardcore/ Crossover), they now tackle the Hard Rock genre with yet another winner! British quartet Sandstone only formed in 2003, but in just a short time they've managed to make themselves a favourite on the North Ireland pub and festival circuit, gaining a live reputation which even saw them tour on mainland. The success of their first EP ("Life Giving Sun") made the band hit the road even harder, and along the way the band won the top prize at the Hammersmith Battle Of The Bands. In between, they continued writing new songs for their full-length debut, which (according to the info on our promo copy) eventually got recorded in July 2004.

Personally, I find it hard to comprehend how it still took so long for the official release of this great 12-track album! You know, musically singer/ guitarist Sean McBay, guitarist Steve McLaughlin, bassist David McLaughlin, and drummer Noel Thompson bring a nice mix of groovy Hard Rock songs and sensitive ballads with a definite NwoBHM and Progressive touch, which is not exactly so original, even if extraordinarliy catchy. But what elevates the whole to unknown hights, is the really wacky vocals of the lead singer. Nasal and heady, it may take the listener a few songs to get used to, but even before you're halfway through the 12-track album, you'll find yourself goin' back to the beginning of the album to listen to the album opening songs with a new and fresh ear! His voice really IS that awkward, his rendition of the lyrics so special, you wanna listen to it over and over again! On top of which, the lyrics touch on some truely deep socio-political issues (well, mainly with the *ù´µ#-ty way the USA looks at the rest of the world as their playfield). To enhance that, they've used some truely fine sound samples, expressing beautifully how a lot of Americans look at those countries where English (or should I say 'American') is not the native language, etc... Of course, I could never go as far as to condone the behaviour of the"Children Of The Jihad" (the album closing track), even íf I can truely understand their situation!

Anyway, it's been a long time since I've heard such a truely good Hard Rock album, and for me, it deserves a top rating and nomination for my 'Best Albums Of 2006' list. I'm already in the throws of puting together a questionnaire for an e-mail interview, so look out for the result of that in the appropriate section of our website!   Rating:98/100  Tony

Without being able to suspect what was awaiting me, I put "Tides Of Opinion" in my CD player. As time was going by and I was listening to the CD, I had the feeling that I was listening to an album that I had listened too many times in the past!!! It really "reminded" me of the ehtusiasm that I had in my teens when I was listening to bands like GUNS 'N' ROSES, FAITH NO MORE, METALLICA , UGLY KID JOE and so on. It was an amazing feeling, as if time was tamed and started counting backwards again!!! However, I don't want to be misunderstood. Sandstone's music is not a copy of the previous bands, but it has a personal touch and of course it doesn't apply only to teens. Actually, if you check their lyrics, you will see that Sandstone is a group of thinking musicians and they have worries about the social and political problems of our world. Somehow they manage to keep a good balance between their emotions and logic in their songs and that's the meain reason why "Tides Of Opinion" sounds so mature!!! Oh, by the way since I was talking about influences the RIOT fans have to check out the song "Building Castles" from this album. "Tides Of Opinion" is an album that earned me as a listener, made me think and feel and cause of all this the mark could be no other than... Rating:9/10
P.S. Hope you feel the same things with me whilst listening to the album... 

Nick "William_Kidd" Parastatidis 

Let me get a good swig off this pint of Smithwicks... ah that's nice. Okay, so Kilkenny is a bit south of Northern Ireland, but you get the gist of it. Sandstone are a rock band with an interesting socio-political view point who are equally adept at hard rocking or passionate power ballads. I'd say that these guys would stand a good chance of getting on the radio here in the States, as they've got that radio friendly hard rock sound down pat; sad to say that FM radio in the States is dominated by the Clear Channel/Infinity Broadcasting jingoistic oligarchy who would rather be ass-raped by a roaming horde of raging perverts than play music which dared to be critical of America.

I'll get back to that in a second. First the music! What these dudes excel at is writing catchy hard rock songs that have just a tinge of the prog. Singer Sean McBay has a very interesting, rather nasally voice which grew on me like fungus on the dark side of my feet. They've changed drummers since this recording, but considering the drummer's role in this band, that shouldn't make a big difference. I really like the guitar tones on this album; nice, melodic solos and some crunchy riffage complete the order. I don't listen to much hard rock these days, and I find this a refreshing change of pace. The ballads aren't quite the usual sap-fest that we've been subjected to for ages; there's enough power in them to hold my interest. Sandstone seems to easily side-step the perils that usually beset a young band; obviously, a lot of hard work went into these songs.

Back to the lyrical content, then; and I'll only speak for myself on this. I don't mind even in the slightest the criticism Sandstone is leveling at America or anywhere else ("America", "Children of the Jihad") as dissent and critical review are absolutely imperative to a healthy, functional society. I applaud the fact that Sandstone takes a stand and speaks their mind. Folks, let's not kid ourselves... there's been some wicked cruel shit going down over the last couple of decades, and we have no one to blame but ourselves. What scares me is that the "head in the sand" mentality seems so prevalent here...

Off my soapbox now, and back to enjoying the music on "Tides of Opinion"! I quite like the sped up part on "Nothing New", which also has some nice guitar work on it. "America" is another good one, with driving drums and bass and Sean's quirky vocals that kicks into a good hard rock riff. I'm not sure why I keep thinking Styx here, because that's a nebulous comparison at best, and Sandstone rock out in a different way from Eric Forman's favorite band. So there it is... a solid, enjoyable rock album with some interesting lyrics and quality songcrafting. Now where's that bartender... my pint is shamefully dry!

Standout Tracks

   America
   Nothing New
   Children of the Jihad

The band Sandstone has, since they were formed in 2003, been a big attraction in the Northern Ireland pub and festival circuit. They have through the years built a solid fanbase and are known for high energetic live performances. After releasing their successful EP, Life Giving Sun, the band hit the road. Sandstone won the top prize at the Hammersmith battle of the bands. The band constantly wrote songs for the debut, and they recorded about 30 songs in Stevie`s home studio. Twelve of the songs was picked for the debut and the band printed a few hundred first in 2004, to sell at gigs, before Casket Music decided to release the debut Tides Of Opinion, earlier this year.
The Irish band Sandstone are, in my opinion, doing it very well with their debut album Tides Of Opinion. Musically the band play a mixture of melodic metal, heavy metal and NWOBHM, with influences from bands and artists like Iron Maiden, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, Dream Theater, Skid Row, Guns'n'Roses, Bon Jovi and Queensryche. The album opens with the song America, who the band also have shoot a video clip for. I like the slow start of this song with its fine mood and good vocals from Sean. When the song kicks off it gets a metal oriented style with good riffs and great rhythm. I also find the instrumental part in this song very pleasing with a great guitarsolo from Stevie! Atrophy is built up with good riffs, a fine melodic tune with nice melodic vocals. The song lyrically deals about human instinct for nihilism and self destruction. So Pretty is a really nice ballad with great guitarwork. I like the mood in the song and the fine singing from Sean. The song tells a story about a conversation between an abandoned child and his/her estranged mother. Building Castles is a strong song with much influences from Iron Maiden, the melodic verses mixed with the uptempo Iron Maiden-like parts take this song to a high level. I really dig the next song, Sometime Soon, it`s one of my favorites! The switches in this song between the heavy riffs over to the nice melodic verses and the slow parts in the song is awesome! Also the guitarsolo at the end of the song gives me goosebumbs all over! Just Forget has a more modern rock touch, but still very melodic and with a really good strong chorus part. Unbroken is a beautiful power ballad, with a strong melody and chorus. Nothing New gives me a feel of the big bands in the 80`s like Guns `n`Roses, Faster Pussycat and Warrant, the style of the song takes me back to this time and the chorus gets stuck in your head! Nemesii is a more straight forward melodic hardrock oriented tune with good riffs and good melody. The Fall is a more pop/rock oriented ballad, but what a fine song this is! And not unlike the biggest hits from Savage Garden. Couldabeen is another of my favorite songs, a very strong melodic hardrock oriented tune with a rememberable chorus. Also the instrumental part in this and especially the guitarsolo is perfect! Children Of The Jihad deals about the war on terror. I like the style of this song where the band show most of their sides in one song and also the different tempo changes throughout this song is very nice. I will say that Sandstone has a very bright future after having listened to their debut Tides Of Opinion, and I`m very sure that this is a band that will be recognized all over the world very soon for their great work!! 
Rating: 90/100 Arne Asbølmo
Read My interview with Stevie

HOLLAND
The Irish band Sandstone is in existence only from 2003 onwards when singer/guitarist Sean McBay and guitar player Steve McLaughlin started to write and record some songs together in Steve's home studio. These activities led to the release of Sandstone's debut EP 'Life Giving Sun'. One year later, in the autumn of 2004, the twelve track album 'Tides Of Opinion' was released.

It surprises me a little bit that it has taken so long before this band got picked up by a label, because Sandstone is quite a talented band. They bring a mix of groove hard rock songs and sensitive ballads, which can not be called very original but are certainly of  high quality. Strongest asset of the band is the ability to write a good tune, which are very catchy and played well. Furthermore vocalist Sean has a good voice (you might have to get used to it at first) and is guitarist Steve playing some nice, convincing riffs. It seems that the band is working on a follow-up album and I'm convinced that they can count on some more interest from different record companies. With great songs like opening track 'America', 'Sometime Soon' and 'Unbroken' in the pocket they have a pretty solid base for the future. My first acquaintance with Sandstone has been a very positive one, that's for sure.   Rating: 78/100 Sjak

Until now Casket/Copro CDs were sure to be sent out to other reviewers, because during all these years only the album “Hagridden” from LIPID appealed to me (and that was three years ago), so it was high time for another album and I have chosen the debut album of the band SANDSTONE from Northern Ireland. The métier of this quartet from Derry is Hard Rock, so less modern as the usual releases of the Copro bands.

Founded in 2003, SANDSTONE are a very young band, but a band that already in their first year of existence recorded and EP and a full length album, but it took another two years until a label grabbed them and now brings their debut through a record company among the people. Originality is not the strength of the band, for that this genre is too populated, but that does not necessarily mean that “Tides Of Opinion” is a rip-off, cause Sean McBay, the vocalist and the mastermind of the band, has not only a good hand for catchy hooks and melodies, but also a slight nasal voice which brands the songs.

Musically they definitely have radio-potential, cause songs like the very good, varied and intense “America”, which has some critical lyrics to it (which might reduce its chances on the US stations, hehe), the brisk “Building Castles” endowed with some good melodies, the good ballad “Unbroken”, the catchy “Nemesii” as well as “Children of The Jihad” with its oriental touch, are definitely catchy enough to appeal to a larger audience.

Of course there are also some average songs as well and the production doesn’t always has the power to drive the songs forth, but who likes it a bit commercial, then he should find something worth listening to on “Tides Of Opinion”, the above-mentioned songs are worth it. (Online September 23, 2006 ) Rating 6.5/10

May 2006
A quizzical brew of prog rock and more commercially oriented melodic rock from a young Northern Ireland quartet which sets out its stall with the OTT opener 'America'. There is a market out there for this kind of thing, but to be completely honest, it won't necessarily be Metal Hammer readers. Rating 6/10 Jerry Ewing

GERMANY
The Northern-Irish Sandstone (not to be confused with the Polish Proggies of the same name!) have already earned themselves some merit in Great Britain. After releasing their debut EP and extensively touring the UK's Pubs and clubs, they won the "Hammersmith battle of the bands" 
I'm sure the band's sound is based on their outstanding live ability, moderate British hardrock in the style of Magnum or Thunder with a touch of folk in sections ("Atrophy"), some discreet modern influences in the Riffing ("Sometime Soon") combined with AOR-esk ("The Fall" reminds me of Breakfast at Tiffany’s). 
The Songs are all together competently arranged, however the production is thin, with the bass in particular, lacking juice and strength. Also the nasally voice of Sean McBay could do with more volume and Punch. A plus however is the guitar work of Stevie McLaughlin. Who can at times produce some excellent riffs ("Building Castles", "Nothing New") nice licks played with charm and fluency. 
Sandstone favor the big choruses typical of this genre but little stands out to differentiate them from their peers. Unfortunately the talented Songwriting deflates within this crucial range, so that a luscious riff on a Song like "Sometime Soon" suffers from a grotesque repeating Chorus, a deficiency, which applies also to other pieces. 

High points of the album are the likely hit, full Groover "Couldabeen" (with Thin Lizzy twin leads in the Chorus), with it's interesting arrangement and varied linking riffs "America" (reminiscent of the Manilla Road song "Necropolis") and the breathtaking eastern-epic "Children OF The Jihad" (absolute high point, which salutes Maiden epics like "To Tame A Land"). If more of the songs on this debut were of this caliber, I'd be giving out top marks, rather than tenderly scratching at the 7 point mark.
Fans of this genre will find http://www.sandstonerocks.com definitely worth checking. Rating:6/10 - PM

Sandstone are Sean, Steve, David and Noel – four lads from Northern Ireland who have taken their homeland by storm and made an extensive assault on the rest of the UK, even sweeping top prize in the 2004 Hammersmith Battle of the Bands along the way. 

Tides of Opinion is an accomplished debut that pays tribute to the band’s determination and diligence. The tracks are honed to perfection through constant gigging, and there is a depth to their lyrics often missing from debut albums. A video has already been made for lead track America, an attack on The States’ bloodthirsty political stance. Other tracks instantly stand out as future singles – ballads Building Castles and The Fall have an upbeat pulse, which will appeal to a wide audience, whilst Unbroken tenderly deals with personal infidelity. The confident vocals are backed by a tight band, the atmosphere is almost tangible. This is epic; a rock sound from the classic era tinged with a LostProphets metal edge and the balladeering of the Goo Goo Dolls. Sandstone clearly have a political agenda - indeed their sampling of speeches is suggestive of political forerunners the Manics – and their universal choice of subject matter is commendable. 

The attention-grabbing sleeve art gives a flavour of Sandstone’s energetic live performances that, coupled with this superb set of songs, suggests they are not to be missed in 2006. 

Review by: Emma Collins 

April 2006
Northern Ireland's Sandstone have (apparently) been building a healthy fan base over the past few years culminating in this, their debut album.
Although finished in2004, it's taken a couple of years for the band to get a UK label to pick it up, but they've finally found a home with Casket.
Mixing a melodic edge with a powerful guitar crunch, "Tides Of Opinion" actually kicks off in fine fashion with the track "America", Sean McBay has a real touch of Bonfire's Claus Lessman vocally, but sadly the rest of the album descends into rehashes of a million other melodic hard rocks acts that have gone before.
"Nothing New" and "Sometime Soon" both gave glimpses of promise, but the aforementioned McBay's voice really begins to grate (much like Lessman's in fact) as soon his nasal whine dominates.
There are some good ideas here, but production is weak (half of the drum tracks sound feeble and disjointed) and before long the urge to turn the album off becomes almost impossible to ignore.
There are hints of something here, but much more work is needed if they want to have any sort of career. Power Points - 5 Mik Gaffney

ITALY
Review by Carl Paleari 
Not a bad debut album from Sandstone! The Irish group have made a beautiful CD of melodic hard rock, that often goes beyond rock into AOR. Sure, the band is not tipsy on originality, but they have striven to re-create the styles of hard “n” heavy Northern Europe with a melancholic sensibility and decadence that brings to mind bands like Placebo, also thanks to the unusual voice of Sean McBay. However “Tides Of Opinion”, although not flawless, succeeds on imposing itself on the listener, thanks to a good refinement in songwriting and a handful of effective songs, especially in the more intimate episodes. The rhythms remain nearly always on calm speeds, with a great abundance of ballads and slow sections on the bill such as “So Pretty”, “Sometime Soon” and “Unbroken”, while when the boys push on the accelerator they don't always find their comfort zone, therefore while “Atrophy” or “Building Castles” hit the spot, songs such as “Nemesii” or “Couldabeen” leave me yawning. Absolutely unimpeachable though, is the beginning and the end of the disc, that is “America” and “Children Of The Jihad”: this is mature composition that succeeds in being hard and controversial without loosing its air of sorrow; the second track while equally effective, faces a delicate and important topic with the aid of exotic Arabic scales and tones. All in all Sandstone is perhaps a band still unripe, but they surely deserve a chance. The first step has been made: keep an eye on these boys because if they persevere and don't lie still, their abilities are all in order to emerge as they must.  Rating: 6.5/10

HOLLAND
Metal from Ireland I do not encounter everyday, but here is a favorable spirited Irish band. This 4-piece play a mix of progressive rock and metal and they do it with style. The opening number acts as a kind of calling card that makes a strong impression and immediately reflects what the CD has in store. From the artwork and photos on this CD I was expecting pure metal heads, but the music is less heavy, yet rock solid. Singer Sean McBay has a strikingly nasal voice, that stands out well with the guitar. I can hear hints of Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Survivor, and Dream theatre. I like this CD, however, and I am convinced that in other decades it would have been more successful.   Rating: 82/100 By Rico

FRANCE
What, of the hard rock on W-Fenec!!! 

Listen Up, welcome to the hair-metal of the twenty first century. With Tides of opinion, Sandstone have pinned down this sound. The magical epic, “America” begins this album with all its power, an acoustic intro with a light and open horizon, and a melody worthy of great spaces. This song owes much to the voice of singer Sean McBay, while in the remainder of the album his voice becomes a little nasally at times. “America” alternates between ballade, prog-rock and hard rock in linear passages which rise in power via some syncopated grooves to a shredder guitar solo, Sandstone does not forget the stereotypes right before taking it back to the refrain.

On the other hand is the rather standard, “Atrophy” where the vocals immediately lose their charm, (think of a clothes peg wedged on the nose), the song is broken up by good dynamics. Sandstone excels at mixing electric guitar and acoustic guitar, for transitions and atmospheres of the most beautiful effect, the hit “America” being the most beautiful proof. 

Sandstone present a pleasing collection of songs, “Building castles” although not original is effective, some calm songs where the melody floats above open strings, The dreamy “Couldabeen” or the aggression of “Sometime soon”, and songs like the epic “Just forget”, the traditional metal feel of “the Nothing new” and finally “Children of the Jihad”, the twin counterpart of “America”. Thus Janus closes the chapter as it opened, as the guitars mirror the first song and the group follows, this time with a slight Eastern hook and more energized feel. “Children of the Jihad” puts a little sun in the sky of Tides of opinion. 

BRAZIL
With a sleeve similar to "Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes From the Memory", by Dream Theater, Sandstone appear with their debut CD Tides Of Opinion, and Prog Metal fans will notice instantly that a great source of their inspiration is Queensrÿche. Certainly this choice could not have been one of best in the question the influence, but what we have here is only a sketch of the Heavy/Hard/Prog that consecrated the group of frontman Geoff Tate in all the singers of the world. 

Having good production as one of it's few allies, Tides Of Opinion is not easily understood since it's competing styles render it unable to transmit a sensible opinion itself. In its 12 songs, the album is divided between compositions in Heavy Metal, others in the vein of Progressive Metal and, some ballads in the best Hard Rock style. A good musical mix I agree! But the crucial problem in Tides Of Opinion is the lack of boldness in the arrangements, where consequently, riffs and choruses lack impact. The absence of these factors is more instant in the Heavy songs, "America", and the soulful "Building Castles", "Sometime Soon", "Just Forget", "Nothing New" and "Children Of The Jihad". 

While Sandstone's sound and conjecture is transparent, they show some signs of recovery, in the ground made by guitarist Stevie Mclaughlin and a greater emersion in the field of the creativity when vocals of Sean Mcbay solidify inside "the Atrophy", "So Pretty" (one of the few good choruses), "The Fall" and the Hard Rock "Couldabeen". 

If the members of the Sandstone really long for future growth in their careers, an exclusive focus in the field of the trad Metal would be the solution for the next album with more satisfactory results, and it's in this field that the band have sketched something more promising. However, Tides Of Opinion is one of those diverse records that you listen to with good will, but in the end, this is an item without many attractive features "  Rating: 6/10 - Ayrton Junior Blacksmith 

 

GREECE
More than 10,000 years ago man discovered how to use Stone. Around 8,000 years ago someone discovered the wheel. About 5,000 or so years ago we discovered metals and their use. More than 2,500 ago people discovered Democracy. 50 years ago people invented rock'n'roll... Then 25 years later we discovered heavy metal... Meanwhile SANDSTONE only discover HM this year... Their demo, apology... album, is called "Tides Of Opinion". In my own opinion there are much better Greek bands who don't have a record contract, than this mediocre Irish band. They make some digs at America;;; bravo, and I'm with them, but from IRON MAIDEN to BON JOVI and GUNS'N'ROSES? its striking that they bother holding back. Cheap production, bad voice, incurious technique, unacceptable-copy'n'paste-cover. 2-3 good ideas and some likeable riffs are not enough anymore. One to pass by... WITH BREAK-NECK SPEED...
Rating: 2/10

April 2006
Though competant and tight, Sandstone's mix of hard rock and metal nonetheless sounds weary and lacking in any urgency. With guitars ambling through stale, standard power chord progressions untill solo time, when the usual rock tropes are delivered, it's all depressingly uneventful and predictible down to the last drum fill. Their vocalist can certainly hols a note, but conviction and passion find themselves suppressed at every opportunity in favour of bland, AOR stylings. A hard working band, but listening to this is like purgatory. Rating 3 CT

GERMANY
In the past three years SANDSTONE have probably played in every Pub in Northern Ireland . However with their beer-blessed Folk mentality the quartet is probably as far away as the Dubliners from an advertising contract for razor-blades. 

"Tides OF Opinion" is an eclectic boxing match between melodic hardrock (' The Fall ' an extreme example which could easily pass for Bon Jovi's latest ballad) and NWOBHM Vibes, while above all Stevie McLaughlins singing Lead guitar knows how to please again and again. Good beginnings mind you, but altogether much is still undetermined. Rating:8/10

Sandstone is a newly formed band (2003) from UK and Tides of Opinion is their debut. Four musicians on board: David McLaughlin ( bass), Stevie McLaughlin (guitars) and two young guys by the names of Noel Thompson on drums and Sean McBay on vocals and guitar. What we have on this release is basically 12 very melodic tracks of progressive metal. Nothing too intricate or wicked included. Acoustic guitars meet heavier riffs without causing too much problems. The clean nasal voice of Sean is a bit reminiscent to one of the Finn brothers (Split Enz / Crowed House) but has a tendency to be annoying on quite a few occasions. Maybe his voice hasn't fully matured yet. Same goes for the songwriting of this young band. Nothing bad presented but a couple songs are worth mentioning: America and Unbroken as well as the closer Children of the Jihad. The last one for an overall oriental tone and reference. The music lacks depth and inspiration while the emotional level is almost absent on many compositions.

A use of keyboards and more mature compositions and singer would help building something more solid in the future. Rating: 6.3/10 

Irish four-piece Sandstone, make their debut with Tides of Opinion. The band have been in existence for a few years on the Irish circuit and, according to reports, have achieved reasonable successful, winning a battle-of-the-bands along the way.

Sandstone play slightly progressive hard rock with hints of metal, and do this with reasonable success. This debut contains twelve tracks which are all of a considerable level. Immediately striking is the gnawing voice of singer/guitarist Sean McBay, who strongly reminds me of Brian Molko, he has the same heady, slightly nasal voice of the placebo front man. Now such a voice sound is certainly not everybody's cup of tea, but McBay's vocals fit very well with the music. It gives the band something of a slightly progressive rock atmosphere which certainly does them no harm. 

The material itself keeps it in the middle of (hard) rock and prog, but then without losing sight of the songs, display some exorbitant musical passages. The songs are good, and I must confess that with opener America the band plays it's strongest trump card. On the other hand the beautiful, semi-acoustic The Fall and oriental sounding Children or the Jihad are also strong. 

Sandstone do not make their debut with this disc absolute. The songs are not yet ingenious enough, but the basis is there and with the right break. It will not astonish me if, over a year or three we must seriously take into account Sandstone. Never-the-less an interesting release.  Rating: 72/100

DENMARK
My skepticism was immediately brought to life when George Bush's shit voice filled the room after I put the disk in the CD player. Brilliant I can't say Sandstone are, but the CD sounds better than I feared. 

We're talking traditional, melodic heavy metal with progressive overtones. A few lines work well, but depart quickly down into a quagmire of anachronistic riffing and pedestrian phrases. This CD would have done well in 1985.
Rating:3/5 (Geir Larzen)

ITALY
Trial Technical  Masterpiece
"Tides of Opinion" has entered my CD player (or better, my computer) nearly drowned in a tide of others demos that at first look could seem more attractive. Instead, the debut-album of this most sensational Northern Irish band has risked being one of the surprises of the year.

"Tides of Opinion", in fact opens with the noteworthy "America", a good piece of hard rock penetrated with a melancholic vein and embellished with a mixture of impetuous composition, and enforced immaturity and to level of production and recording that often render this debut special. But it is the next track "Atrophy" that rises the doubt head-on of being something outside of the norm: riding between Nickelback and Placebo, Sandstone let fly a piece that is imprinted in your head from the first listen, a mid-tempo rocking-giant loaded with restlessness and "nervousness" that makes you want to put the song in an infinite loop. Unfortunately, the successive songs arrive and are 'only normal' "So Pretty" and "Building Castles" and transform "Tides of Opinion" from a potential masterpiece to simply a good album, it still introduces however some valid moments, such as "Just Forget", "Unbroken" and "Couldabeen", with the only side doubt as far as the style, too often fossilized with mid-tempos and ballads, however well composed and arranged. 

Pulling the sums, however, "Tides of Opinion" is a good disc of hard melodic rock, and it represents a good starting point for a band that can and must still grow.
Rating:7/10 by Marco Banfi

I’m sure in your CD collection exists an album or two that has all the aspects you could ever hope to hear yet for one reason or another the final product just sits there on the shelf as cobwebs grow away. On paper Ireland’s Sandstone should appeal to the multi-faceted music maven in me. The 12 songs on display flow from acoustic-laden ballads to wide open progressive rock epics. The lyrical landscape also bodes well as Stevie McLaughlin (guitar) and Sean McBay (vocals/guitar) tackle war issues on “Children Of The Jihad”, overseas views on United States political policing with “America” and then contrast with relationship topics like “So Pretty” and “Building Castles”. Musically the quartet also take a tip of the cap to local hero Phil Lynott in terms of the dynamic solo buildup in the already talked about “So Pretty”, a distant cousin to “Still In Love With You”. So why am I so unimpressed with “Tides Of Opinion”? 
Two individual performances detract the most in my mind. Drummer Noel Thompson plays the kit as if he were a robot chained to his click track - and I can only imagine how unemotionally these same songs would be delivered by him in a live environment. Overriding all else in Sandstone though is Sean’s vocalization. His incessant warbling when he wishes to draw out a melody severely motivates me to eject this album from any CD player at my disposal quickly. Imagine putting reverb on every end of verse measure - yet knowing that Sandstone really keep the playing effect free. 
Sandstone clearly love the efforts of diverse groups from Jethro Tull and Psychotic Waltz to Zebra. Too bad that their deficiencies create a long winded exercise in listening futility. Maybe the marathon gig schedule will reap better performances next time, lads. Rating: 4/10

THE NETHERLANDS
Here we have a very strong band from Northern Ireland playing a sort of updated classic 80s Melodic Metal sound, which reminds me of a mix between STORMWITCH and MAD MAX, with a bit of MARSHALL LAW and BLACK ROSE type of influences added. 12 songs are included and everything sounds very professional, so this is one of those bands to watch out for in the near future. The vocal work is strong, while the guitar work sounds like it used to sound in the 1980s, which is melodic guitar work with classic metal riffs here and there, but still enough room for calmer acoustic guitar parts (very much in classic 70s SCORPIONS/THIN LIZZY style). The songs have melodic verses, strong hooks and catchy memorable choruses, which sounds best during the songs “Atrophy”, “So pretty” (a very nice almost late 80s US Melodic Rock sounding Power Ballad), “The fall” and “Nemesii” (classic 80s melodic rocker). Also recommended to fans of PRETTY MAIDS, PRAYING MANTIS, so classy 80s melodic metal all the way here!
 Rating: 8.3/10

Irish pub rock. A real mid-80s snapshot, especially the vocals. Celtic influence shows in gigue riffs. Something ephemerally Christian to the lyrics - and what's going on with the crucifix in the Casket Music logo anyway? I was really uncomfortable with the 'Children Of Jihad' lyrics, but to be fair maybe Irish bands have special privilege to self-examine the folly of religious fundamentalism.
Rating:2/6 Talie Helene

FRANCE
I cannot really begin to say what I think of Sandstone, since I find the album good, but that's all. This first offering from Sandstone "Tides Of Opinion" has some interesting elements, but certain points disappointed me enormously. This group from England made up of Sean McBay (Vocal/Guitar), Steve McLaughlin (Guitar), David McLaughlin (Bass) and Noël Thompson (Drums). Distributed here by Phd Canada. Sandstone combines hard rock and the heavy metal, but in a really standard way.

Firstly, I must acknowledge that I was rather disappointed, since they have a really sizeable talent, but they continue to play this sound which we have already heard many and many times before without bringing anything new. A major defect, and one which means we cannot really admire the quality of the album, is at the level of the production which leaves something to be desired. On the first pieces like "America" and "Atrophy", there is a lack of clarity with the vocal and instruments. Another phenomenon occurs with "Building castles", I have the impression that the vocals run the risk of sounding like Savage Garden.

The second half of the album sounds the same and I believe that McBay will have to push the advantage of his voice, he doesn't really push his vocal and that can become monotonous at times. The guitar riffs are interesting, but not dazzling. The disc lacks interest and attitude, but it has certain parts which merit a little more attentive listening, "Nothing New" and "The Fall". The latter is really excellent, and reminds me of Bon Jovi.

In general, Sandstone should concentrate on softer hard rock, since they are effective at this level and the choruses in these songs are excellent. To finish the disc, "Couldabeen" is beautifully crafted and is one of the highlights of "Tides Of Opinion". It is certainly not essential listening and Sandstone will have to work hard to give us something more solid in the future, but I strongly recommend you listen to their track "The Fall". It is without any doubt a small jewel hidden in this album. "America", one of the rare energetic tracks from the group, and "Unbroken" manage to be distinguished. I remain rather undecided about "Tides Of Opinion", I suggest you listen to the disc in order to see why.    Rating: 7/10
By: Marc Desgagné

ITALY
Irish band Sandstone record their debut the album follow-up to the the EP "Life Giving Sun". "Tides Of Opinion" is the fruit of the band's passion for melodic hard rock, flavored with 80s NWOBHM. The talented singer Sean McBay, assisted by the McLaughlin siblings and Noel Thompson, give life to a sound that, although not innovating, is rich in ideas and songs that are all of the best level.

Obviously being a melodic AOR album in the foreground are splendid power ballads like "So Pretty" and "Unbroken", but fear not there are good melodies throughout even in heavier tracks like "Nothing New", "Atrophy" and last track "Children Of The Jihad" (truly great lyrics). 

The tracks do not lack variety "Sometime Soon", contrasts between heavy riffing at the beginning of the song, and a more dreamy mood towards the end, as the guitars dampen their ardor and begin to emphasize the splendid voice of Sean. 

It is not possible moreover to omit opener "America", with lyrics strongly critical of Yankee politics, in which the band reaches the climax of the song with a perfect balance between melody and rhythm, a varied structure and a chorus that once in your head does not go away, and with a decidedly progressive end.

Excellent songs from a band, with just the right balance between "knowing how to play" and "knowing how to compose". "Tides Of Opinion" is first rate work from a talented band, one I'd bet we'll hear more of in the near future. 
Rating: 7.5/10 Luigi Schettino

Full of guitar effected riffory, throbbing rhythm section and power vocals, Sandstone have reproduced/captured that popular rock sound that the USA stole from the Brits in the eighties with accomplished musical aplomb.  Not only do they turn on the excitement, they have got an original sound to go with it, winning accolades at every live gig for their accomplished performances this Northern Irish rock outfit release their debut album 'Tides Of Opinion'.  The album opens with the lamentful tune 'America' and its politically charged lyrics, in the second song 'Atrophy' the band keep the feel of power ballad but increase the axe work to a fitting quantity, the third track brings forth a classic power ballad with perfection of vocals, lyrics and emotion dripping guitars now the band have displayed their intellectual nous the album move on with track four, 'building castles' increases the tempo and beefs up the skins while the guitars start to twinkle and shine, song five continues the hard rocking melodies with squealing guitars and head nodding rhythms, while Sean stretches his vocals on 'Sometime soon'.  Sandstone turn up the volume on the guitars for Track six, 'Just Forget' as they display their song writing talent with another twist in style, and so it continues throughout the rest of the twelve tracks of melodic hard rock.  Shuffle along Darkness because someone else wants to join the table and feed.
Published: February 9th 2006    Rating:4/5  Rock3

An unusual release from Casket, moving away from their more extreme musical output into the realms of hard rock. And all the better for it.
SandStone have been winning plaudits as well as battle of the band competitions since forming in 2003, and the Northern Irish combo have come up trumps here. Starting in melancholy mode with "America" they slowly turn the screws, raising the tempo, drawing you in, until there's nowhere to escape.
The mid tempo power ballad seems to be their forte as a lot of the material follows the template standardised in the late eighties and followed by rock acts ever since. To be fair, it takes a while for the album to gel but you can picture the lighters in the air for "So Pretty", their first bona fide classic song.
They don't ramp it up often enough for me, but when they do, as on "Sometime Soon", they show that they can rock with the big boys. If you're looking for flaws, the production doesn't have the deftness of touch that only a huge amount of money can bring and the vocal of Sean McBay are going to divide opinion fairly sharply in an Axl Rose type divide.
Another gem comes along in the shape of "Nothing New" which could easily slip into one of my homemade eighties sleaze compilations with "The Fall" going all Bon Jovi on your ass, before track 12 brings the big political statement with "Children Of The Jihad". Dangerous territory, but if anyone is allowed to talk about religion it's going to be an Irish band.
Not at all what I was expecting from a Casket release but one of the most pleasant surprises this year.   Rating:4/5 Metal4Life

ITALY
“Tides of opinion” is Sandstone's new release out now via Casket Music/Copro Records, the English label who own amazing bands like Earthtone9, GF93 and many many others. Sandstone formed in Ireland in 2003: after their debut release “Life giving sun” good acclaimed in the scene, Sandstone composed new even more devastating songs and recorded this new album titled “Tides of opinion”, a concentration of powerful classic hard rock. Well..that's definetly true: these dudes aren't influenced by the traditional Irish folk ballads!!! 12 tracks sounding ultra-melodic, sometimes with light arpeggios and tribal drummin' and a candid-epic voice, so sometimes with hardrock/classic-metal riffs. Mostly I like the 3rd track ”So pretty” and the songs ”Building Castles”, “Sometime Soon”, performing a guitar-solo very much flavoured of Iron Maiden (the good times of “The Number Of The Beast”) and the new Metallica; about this influences I'm logically talking only the instrumental backgrounds about. I'm not a big lover of this music, however I can't doubt Sandstone's professional attitudes and playing: an excellent album. Compliments of course to Sandstone and Casket Music/Copro Records.  Rating: 7/10  Massi  

DENMARK
A small note from our head editor was attached to this CD: “Warning! Awful” it read. Now there are two possibilities, the first one is that the note was about another CD or secondly, there must be something seriously wrong with his ears, because I couldn’t find anything wrong on this record, on the contrary. I was a bit surprised when I discovered this quartet hails from Derry, Northern Ireland because the first song, “America” sounds very… American and Sean Mc Bay’s vocal melodies have something American about them. At times he reminds me of Live’s Ed Kowalczyk and Robbi Robb of Tribe After Tribe. But SandStone is quite good in delivering heavy rock with touches of metal in a style not that far from what was usual in the first half of the eighties. Guitarist Stevie McLaughlin pulls out some decent riffs, isn’t bad in playing a few decent solo’s and is responsible for the heaviest compositions while McBay’s songwriting contributions are a very enjoyable example of pop metal like “Sometime Soon” and “Nothing New”, with catchy hooks and excellent singing. Now don’t you run away because there’s a strong pop influence now and then, because Tygers Of Pan Tang released a very good album called “The Cage” which was actually pop metal, and that was in 1982! “Tides Of Opinion” was recorded as long ago as Summer 2004 and meanwhile the foursome is busy with the follow-up. They really don’t need to change a lot, there’s a need for a better production and maybe some songs would benefit if they were just a bit shorter, with less instrumental passages. You can find the video for the magnificent “America” and a few demo’s of new songs on the band’s website. Just do it, these nice chaps deserve it.  Rating:77/100   Rudi Claeys

ARGENTINA
SANDSTONE formed in 2003 in Northern Ireland and released EP "Life Giving Sun". Soon after they recorded their debut 12 track CD "Tides of opinion" and have sent me a copy to review. The album displays numerous influences mainly from Hard/melodic Rock to passages much more oriented towards Heavy Metal, held together by the riffs of Stevie McLaughlin (guitar). One can even notice certain touches in the style of the last MEGADETH Album (listen to "America" and "Children of the Jihad") Here the melodies are what matters and McBay seems to be a vocalist totally adapted to the proposal. His voice has more tones of pop than hard rock. Add to that strong, progressive segments and you get a feel for Sandstone's crossroads of styles. I will call attention to the large number of ballads present on this CD... In spite of this, all is very good and catchy with particularly nice touchs on the guitar from Stevie. The voice also contributes and are most attractive in "So pretty", "Unbroken" and "The fall". On the other hand, the Hard Melodic Rock is on the verge of AOR during "Sometime soon", "Just forget" and "Nemesii". There are cuts oriented towards Heavy Metal ("Building castles"), although totally assisted by a very melodic catchy chorus, while Stevie gives us some marvelous riffs. The others are pure Hard Rock ("Nothing new", "Couldabeen"). In "Atrophy" they have an air of pop. In conclusion, the band's sound offers something original and could become an interesting proposal within the European Rock scene. Rating: 4/5  Pablo B.

Sandstone comes straight out of Derry, Northern Ireland and have released “Life Giving Sun” EP (2003) and now the full length cracker “Tides Of Opinion”. The guys behind Sandstone are: Sean McBay - Vocals/Guitar, Steve McLaughlin - Guitar, David McLaughlin - Bass, Noel Thompson – Drums.

If you still use to have some posters with some epic rock bands from the 80´s or a few NWOBHM albums under your pillow, then wake up and track down a copy of  “Tides OF Opinion” right now before they sell out. It's always a happy moment to receive a surprise (it's not so easy anymore) and as you probably have noticed we try to write and find these new up-coming bands out there, just to guide you into new fields and dimensions of hard rock AOR and metal, not just the ordinary established bands. The Dream Zones pages will give you cool stuff like Sandstone and many others, so keep on reading (sorry, I almost got lost there). Sandstone give you some stronger moments of what we like most in the rock/metal school and it smells quality long way. These guys have the guts to take their style towards new horizons and I can hardly wait to see what they will come up with next time. NWOBHM – The old school metal through the eyes of Sandstone. Touching, sensitive and brutal at the same time. Sandstone makes you listen and the Sandstone album dig its way deep down into your rock soul.   
Rating: 80/100  Johnny Forslund

Debut album from Northern Irish band and it's a class slice of song-writing and playing. It's rock but it's not heavy, it's powerful but so well arranged that the power becomes part of the whole feel of the songs, to such an extent that it's all one big sea of anthemic guitars and soaring guitar solos, the twin lead and rhythm guitars providing expansive horizons and high-flying solos. A track such as 'So Pretty' is an anthemic ballad that features a strong vocal from the lead singer whose Americana-styled voice gives the songs a sense of flight as he delivers the lines with a certain mix of yearning, bitterness, angst and passion. Then you get a song such as the lyrically aware 'Building Castles' which, while still being a grade A slice of song-writing, this time positively flies along on a wave of twin guitar riffs, surging rhythms and economic soloing. Sometimes, as on the storming riffing on the FFAF-esque 'Sometime Soon', the vocals seem to be a tad high for the arrangement but once you've played it a couple of times, it all makes sense and you really start getting into the thing. Most of the songs occupy a hinterland between nu-metal electro-acoustic power ballads and rocking & riffing slices of tungsten-strength indie-rock attack, with the lead vocalist sounding remarkably like the guy out of Placebo throughout much of the album's songs. An accomplished debut, it does resemble a heavy metal Placebo on a few occasions, and overall, the strength of it lies in a set of rock-solid quality song-writing ad arranging. One to look out for.  Artist Of The Month

FRANCE
At first sight I expected nothing sensational of SANDSTONE, a young Irish group formed in 2003 foolhardy enough to have an album sleeve very reminiscent of DREAM THEATER, "Metropolis Pt II: Scenes From A Memory "... I was thus already off to a bad start with some not very flattering comments but I was too quick to judge and changed my opinion on hearing the first few tracks of "Tides of Opinion"! 

Once more, here is an album which is more than it appears and reveals to be if not a total success, at least a very good surprise! Between US metal and hard rock with heavy tints of NWOBHM ala LILLIAN AXE, "Tides Of Opinion" rests mainly on the nasal voice of its singer and principal song writer (with the guitarist) which will charm fans of PRETTY BOY FLOYD and MÖTLEY CREW and will no doubt aggravate everyone else. Even though its sometimes too much, Sean Mc Bay has a likeable voice and a knack for melodic choruses, not to mention the amount of ballades or power ballads (six out of twelve songs) typical of the genre (US metal I mean) and thus could become genuinely unstoppable hits on American radio! 

Unfortunately, SANDSTONE suffers from a problem of identity which is likely to penalize them and to confine them to local success; this group must absolutely find its way and forge a personality if they don't want to be catalogued as a simple substitute. "Tides Of Opinion" is despite everything a very promising album containing good and sometimes excellent songs, and there is no doubt that when the group digests its influences and the singer lets himself go instead of entrenching himself behind vocal gimmicks, nothing will prevent them from exploding...

Am I re-living the New wave of British Heavy Metal era?! Coz SandStone sure do bring out old memories of when I bought my first albums with Tygers of PanTang,Diamond Head and Mamas Boys etc.
Even though it's been 25 years since everybody's was running to the stores for a new record with their favorite NWOBHM band,this Northern Ireland quartet plays this style of timeless metal very well.
Last year was a very successful year for the band but the icing on the cake was when Sandstone were declared winners of Hammersmith Battle of the Bands in London. Rating: 3/5 Kaj

Sandstone are a classic style rock band hailing from Ireland that are already becoming major favourites in pub and club outlets all over their homeland, gaining new fans while constantly riding on their high reputation for their energy and tight performances. The band has a diverse catalogue of musical styles under their belt, demonstrating maturity and musical flexibility that clearly works. After a successful debut, 'Tides Of Opinion' is a classic rock follow-up put together with confidence, skill and power that is sure to become more successful than the last and will expose Sandstone to the limelight.

The opening track 'America' has a slightly modal introduction, starting with a repeating riff resonating with a message of warning. Cynical and bitter, the vocal melodies quietly join in as the bass gently follows the root notes of the riff providing a warm yet sinister undertone. The first half of the music remains melancholy and desolate in it's approach, the bitter lyrics the main focal point of the music until the guitars kick in and lend a heavier vibe to the music, beating life into the ballad-like track. The guitar riffs have a raw and razor-like quality to them that is perfectly suited to the defiant theme of the melody and drive the track along, into a moving solo that outlines the melody and moves into improvisation before shifting back into the repeating riffs used in the chorus. What is interesting thus far about Sandstone's music is a certain retainment of Irish folk values within their rock. This was faintly evident within 'America' and is very prominent in 'Atrophy' which is the following track. While they do not use any of the traditional instruments commonly associated with Irish folk, they do take influence from the story-like ballad structure of folk songs and make use of it readily also incorporating themes of loss, faith, tragedy and hope within their tracks; themes of which may commonly be found within Irish music. The fast paced jig structure is also often used in the choruses that Sandstone uses, giving their music real energy and life. This may be seen particularly in 'Building Castles' and 'Atrophy' which have the energy and feeling to their choruses, guitar riffs packed with a real drive that push the music along, fully intending to swamp you in their sound.

Of course there is a more serious side to Sandstone and aside from their gentle Indie style; they can really pull off real angst and emotive rock with a knife sharp edge. 'Just Forget' is a true testament to this, full of bitter regret and cynicism with rolling riffs and drum fills so typical of the sound of 'Funeral For A Friend'. As with most of the tracks on this album, the message is really carried in the sharp and direct approach to the lyrics, the band define and embellish the melody itself but it's the words that really hit home with this band. 'Just Forget' outlines a life full of mistakes and failures in life, the path to slowly going mad unfolding before a recollection of lies and deceit.

It is easy to see from this record why Sandstone have been as successful as they are, with easily accessible melodies and catchy, energetic tracks mixed occasionally with the odd serious approach and you have a record that is instantly popular with the majority of people. It may not be anything ultimately different or special but it is an album that will appeal to the majority of the population.
First published Mar 9 by Alana King of Roomthirteen.com

When making the decision to move from my home county of Berkshire, I had to think long and hard about my decision; a long held desire to move to London was quashed with the realization that it’s bigger than a DeathStar and slightly more dangerous, and as my other options were otherwise narrow considering my utterly rational fear of Northern culture, I looked to the south coast. Bournemouth lacked personality, Cornwall jobs and Kent is always going to be Kent - thus, the decision was made to move to Brighton.
I’ve been here a year now, and the combination of its Tardis-like compactness and the fact that I can make eye contact with Chris Eubank on a daily basis makes it a pretty great place to live. I can’t imagine why in the near future I would want to move, especially as I have not yet taken part in a flesh-party, but if I was too it may be Bath. With its unified aesthetic and a convincing number of art-students, Bath has much to offer and it comforts me to think that I will one day look out over the beige from a window set into a beige wall. Until that point though I look onto a pebbled beach listening to the seagulls that would be the only noise entering my consciousness were it not the Irish rock sounds of Sandstone; nothing untoward to report, Tides Of Opinion is a solid as my ego and twice as satisfying - from opening track America to closing Children of the Jihad, Sandstone play instruments and sing with mouths, all the while keeping time. Marvelous.

There must be something in the air…Following on from great recent releases from Triggerman & The Dead Heroes Club comes the debut album from local rockers SANDSTONE, a band who've been relentlessly pursuing their own rock vision share the fruits of their labor on disc with us.
First off ,this is a great Rock album.  No ifs or buts, trust me on this one.
Opening track America will be familiar to anyone who bought the 1st Rockers Reunion CD. It's a fantastic track & a great way to open an album. Right up there with any new rock song I've heard this year. Next track Atrophy is another cracking tune which gets better on repeated listening.
So Pretty which follows takes the pace down a bit & is a well crafted song featuring some great lead playing from Stevie McLaughlin. Building Castles reminds me of Iron Maiden musically which is no bad thing. This one rocks out with a great drum sound & tight playing from the whole band. The rhythm section are really locked together tight.
Sometime Soon kicks in with a riff that reminds me of the Black Album before changing to a more 80s rock sound. The catchy chorus could help this tune get some radio play. Just under the 3 minute mark they drop things right down & it works well before they go heads down into the solo. Things kick in again before the end with plenty of riffing to the end of the song.
Nothing New is another song with an 80s feel. This song has some great guitar work throughout. Unbroken is a slow song with a Skid Row feel. Another good one to add to the list
No More reminds me of Bon Jovi. It's short at just over 3 minutes & doesn't fully work for me.
My Disguise is a slightly different sound. Very catchy. Could easily be a hit single with airplay & a video. The Last One has some good bits but doesn't do it for me.
The Fall could have come off any recent Bon Jovi album. This really is a fantastic track with hit written all over it. If this had appeared on the New Jersey Cowboy's last album it would have been a hit no problem.
Couldabeen is the last track on the album & brings things to an end in fine fashion. Currently tied with America & The Fall for my favorite track on the album it's long at over 6 minutes but not boring as some long songs tend to be.
Throughout the album the playing & singing is top notch but special mention has to go to Stevie who is fantastic. He really is a very underrated guitarist who shows his class throughout.
The quality of songwriting is very high & a great production job brings the quality to the fore. Produced locally as well so you can shove your expensive studios where the sun don't shine!  Rating:8/10  Ben Burns

These Derry lads are very busy at the moment, recording their debut album, due out sometime this year. The tracks we have chosen as downloads are from a 5 track promo CD, called "Tides Of Opinion" that the group just recorded in March(04). One of the tracks, "America", was inspired by the world events that have followed on from September 11th, and by all accounts has been very well received locally for SANDSTONE. The lyrics are very well put, and show off the groups lyrical appeal very well. We have included the lyrics below, for you guys to make up you're own minds. You can find the lyrics, from the other two tracks, on the bands website.

Throughout all of the material we got to listen to, all lyrics are emotive, wrote from the heart. The group consists of, Chris Towe on drums, David Mc Laughlin on bass, his brother Stevie on Guitar, and Sean Brown on vocal duty. SANDSTONE formed in January 2003, and have already earned a loyal following on the northern college circuit, and in their home town, Derry.

Their style has a huge taste of that Rock sound, only found locally in Ireland. All tracks have a dramatic side creating that epic vibe, and the lads are not afraid to get stuck in to the solo's, the guitar leads the way nicely in the right places in most of their current material. They don't seem to rely too heavily on verses/chorus' and layouts are not what you would expect from tracks that you could easily describe as quite ballady on first listen. There's some very strong hooks, that wouldn't seem out of place in the closing credits of a Hollywood movie, etc.

This is epic movie music to us, and the best example of this, is our personal favorite, "Unbroken". But we have to say that, "America" does seem to be the one most favored by folks over the net, which we found out on our travels. Both take you on a Meatloaf-esque journey, fast and furious, and, sweet and subtle all in one track. There seems to be so many phrases (in music terms), but it all leads healthily to the next part. "Traffic", the third track we have chosen starts off with a v. nice synth, quite mellow, and then opens up with the trademark powerful guitars that SANDSTONE include in all their material.

We think all 3 tracks have energy and vitality sprinkled all over them, and cant wait to hear the album, when its done. We will let you know if we get any news on that. The lads are also busy gigging over the next few months. We have a list of some of their upcoming few gigs down below, and again, there is a full list of the lads gigs for the year on their website. Welcome to the sound of SANDSTONE !