Final Gravity
Stormchaser
Inebriated Music / Anthem Entertainment
For those who crave the authentic crunch of Camaro-driven classic rock, the shiny new EP from L.A.-based brigade Final Gravity will get your heart pounding and your blood pumping in record time.
Overseen by producer Rich Mouser (Dream Theater, Weezer, Tears for Fears), Stormchaser was released independently just last month. Possessing all the precision of the most melodic, yet powerful prog competitors, this lil’ screamer races from zero to 90 in under five seconds.
“The Deep” kicks off this “six pack” rock revival with all the guitar-fueled, nut-bustin’ gusto of Geddy and the guys, circa ‘74. Additional standouts include the hard-hitting “Far Away” as well as “Automatic Pilot” — a decidedly more melodic tune that speaks to me on a rather personal level — “Long ago you felt you were invincible. Time has passed you by, now it’s as if you’re invisible.” OUCH! And the fabulously faithful recreation of the 1980 Rush nugget, “Entre Nous,” serves as an extra special “Cracker Jack prize.”
The band’s song crafting is impeccable. The musicianship, superb. Guitarist Mike Clark, bassist Charles Mumford, and drummer John Chominsky — all world-class players, to be sure. However, a strong case can be made that Melissa Jane Lightning truly brings these songs and stories to life. Honestly, I can’t image this record thwacking me so profoundly with any other vocalist at the helm — particularly on the soaring, record-closing epic, “Planet Earth.”
Truth be told, typically by mid-December, I’ve checked out already for the year in terms of writing reviews. However, when this record dropped in my lap during my Christmas vacation, it was just too hot to put on hold. I had to knock out out a review, pronto. In fact, I’m now gonna have to restructure my entire upcoming year-end Top Ten record roundup feature in order to accommodate it there, too. Simply put, Stormchaser is a bona fide banger. Bravo, Final Gravity. BRAVO!
Final Gravity, Stormchaser (Track List)
*All songs written by Final Gravity except: “Entre Nous”, written by Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart
- The Deep (4:24)
- Far Away (6:09)
- Automatic Pilot (4:40)
- The Story of Forever (4:58)
- Entre Nous (4:36)
- Planet Earth (6:08)
