STALA & SO. – Play Another Round (2013)
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Even though Finland rockers STALA & SO formed already in 1997, their lead singer Stala Astela has been busy for a long time as the drummer of metallers Lordi. That’s why it took until 2011 that the band finally had their real breakthrough with the very good CD ‘It is So’ (already presented here), getting a single into the Finnish Eurovision Song Contest gaining them numerous new fans.
Now Stala & So are back with their sophomore album “Play Another Round”, ready to conquer Europe and beyond.
The good thing about Stala & So’s music is the sense of fun. Their blend of commercial Scandi Glam Rock with catchy Melodic Rock is simple, high-energy fueled and effective.
After the short intro “Radio Taran”, Stala & So unleash all their catchiness with the moving “Rock Until I’m Done”. They have improved the stylings and arrangements, sounding really modern but retaining the kick with a solid rhythm section, layers of synths and super contagious choruses.
“Tokyo Delights” is a bit slower, closer to midtempo AOR sporting a convincing melodic line filled with important synths and an anthemic chorus.
Then with “The Boys Are Having Fun” they rock again in their usual glammy Melodic Rock vein, a great hooky song that turns out to be a real earworm.
And from this point on, it gets even better. The songs are again in the same quality as on the first record, each song is a little melodious Glam rock anthem – musically and vocally – which invites you to sing and dance along.
“Never Again” is in H.E.A.T. style, “Alrite Tonite” is full of swagger, “Life Goes On” reminds me Terrranova bouncy rhythms, “For Your Love” adds some hard rocking guitars and “Rockstar” invites you to a party.
“Play Another Round” aslo features two ballads; the acoustically driven “Back Together” with sweet melodies inspired by ’80s Enuff Z’Nuff yet more Scandinavian sounding, and later the extremely melodious semi-midtempo where the moody electric guitars shine drawing a colorful sketch.
“Play Another Round” is another extremely Melodic Rock delivering by Stala & So., where the glammy elements provide a disctictive touch to their recipe.
This album is brilliant in its simplicity. The band aims to make upbeat commercial rock music and they do just that: simple, melodic, sing-a-long ditties that have a tendency of sticking in your head and having you humming the songs hours after you’ve heard them. If you are new to Stala & So., think a lighter version of H.E.A.T.
“Play Another Round” is fun, vital, plenty of glitter but also solidly composed, arranged and produced.
Easily Recommended.
Note: This is the Finnish version of the album, provided to us by their management.
“Play Another Round” will be released soon by a UK label with extra tracks.
01. Radio Taran
02. Rock Until I’m Done
03. Tokyo Delights
04. The Boys Are Having Fun
05. Never Again
06. Back Together
07. Alrite Tonite
08. Life Goes On
09. All Alone
10. All She Wrote
11. For Your Love
12. Rockstar
Sampsa ‘Stala’ Astela – Lead Vocals
Nick Gore – Bass, Vocals
Sami J. – Lead Guitars, Vocals
Pete Vaughn – Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Hank – Drums
BUY IT !
itunes.apple.com/fi/album/play-another-round/id616701892
