On "Between the Lines," STP's first single off their new record, frontman Scott Weiland sings, "I like it when you talk about love/ You always were my favorite drug/ Even when we used to take drugs." From the look of it, Weiland is a changed man. Long gone is the perverted early 90's dude who snarled "Here I Come, I Come, I Come...." with that devilish, grungy moan of his. And long gone is the late 90's junkie who was not only arrested for domestic violence but was also convicted of both cocaine and heroin possession. There's no question Weiland was a prototypical rock n' roll badass. But what's he got for us now?
For the band's first release since 2001, Weiland is still chugging on, bringing some good ol' sex, drugs, and rock n' roll back into the picture. But seemingly without the drugs and without the sex. So, if i did I math correctly, that leaves just rock n' roll.
Stone Temple Pilots is pretty much that equation: it's a fun, nostalgic ride on the back of the band's steady, well-oiled pickup truck. And while it might be the same ride down that same road time and time again, it's still a gratifying ride indeed.
At its best, the record gives enough space to everyone so that each member can shine. Guitarist Dean DeLeo comes up with some of his best work. His style certainly hasn't changed much; there's still the chunky rhythm guitar, the twangy fills after every line, and the technical and colorful solos that bring about pure bliss. But this time around, he sounds more confident than ever. Take "Hickory Dichotomy," for example. DeLeo isn't trying anything new. He just strums a few staccato chords and fills in with a few twangy riffs before Weiland unleashes his fury in the chorus. But his bluesy parts work perfectly, setting the foundation for Weiland to be playful and powerful.
But back to our frontman. Weiland, like DeLeo, is using the same tools as always. He's still a chameleon of sorts with his vocals; on one track he'll sound as grungy as ever and on the next he'll set aside the crunch and settle for a smoother, more fluid sounding voice. But there's still tracks like "Cinnamon" which find Weiland sounding simply whiny and annoying. Although he's essentially hit-or-miss throughout the record, Weiland seems to be hitting much more than he's missing.
Besides the spacey synth on "First Kiss on Mars" and the shimmering effects on "Take a Load Off," STP are relying on the same vocal, guitar, bass, and drum format for all 12 tracks. Even though the scope of mainstream rock music has changed plenty since 2001, the band is sticking to their same formula. If you were ever an STP fan, you'll have no trouble enjoying the new record, as it's just the soundtrack to another ride down memory lane.
7/10
- Jonathan Elbaz
