In The Dark, There’s A Glimmer That’s Stone Broken

November 21, 2024

It was only in recent weeks that I was reminded that Walsall’s Stone Broken were the special guests on the Delain tour, which all made for an unmissable evening at KK’s. As a local band, three albums into their career, and having previously headlined this very venue, one was well aware that due to their allotted time, this was going to be a best of/greatest hits set. Call it what you will.

Stone Broken

KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton – 16 November 2024

Words: Sophie James

Photography: Jason Samuels

Following the acoustic but most dynamic set of opening artist Damian Wilson, this was the first time this evening where the PA was stretched, and what a crystalline pulverising sound it produced.

The third Stone Broken full-length release, Revelation, marked a significant sonic progression, and it was that title track that launched proceedings. The pulsating synthesiser provided the perfect foundation for the driving almost tribal beat.

“Now I know the world is mine and it makes all this, feel right.”

My highlight of their debut was Stay All Night and it has been an omnipresent setlist inclusion since. Chris Davis is a gratifyingly economical but exceptionally melodic guitarist, as one may expect of someone influenced by Richie Kotzen. His immaculate compact excursion here is quite possibly my favourite this century.

Already the mood is triumphant in what is surprisingly a non-partisan crowd.

“We always get a good welcome in Wolverhampton,” remarked enduringly genial frontman guitarist Rich Moss. “In case you hadn’t noticed, we’re from around here.”

The effect of the lyrically impacting Heartbeat Away is accentuated by the venomous chords spitting from Chris’ guitar while Kieron’s reverberating bass is an intrinsic but critically overlooked formative component of their distinctive sound.

Before the next number, Rich took time to relate how opening artist Damian Wilson introduced himself to the band prior to the previous evening’s gig in Glasgow. In a nutshell: “Best start to a tour ever.” More to follow on Damian.

Black Sunrise is a fusion of frantic riffs allied to Robyn’s exceedingly percussive rhythms which gives the number such intense depth. I noticed how Chris looked so assured as he ground out those intense, intricate chords.

“Undermined a thousand times by the parasite that’s in my mind.”

New single Remedy was very warmly received.

Dealing with the internal struggle with oneself, the musical moods switch, as indeed the victim may do, from broody bass to the almost euphoric guitars with the soaring solo tinted by shades of Tom Morello.

“In the dark there’s a glimmer inside me.”

For me, no song illustrates the musical progression of their last album better than Make It Out Alive. From a delicate piano-led vocal intro, it transitions into crushing rhythms and symphonic-like textures underpinned by an uplifting melody.

What struck me at this point is just how they embellish simple melodies and riffs to create their immediately identifiable sound. Always refreshing to hear a female voice as Robyn delivers the above line.

“I’ll be wasting time, with you by my side, ’cause nothing turns out right.”

Another set stalwart, Let Me Go injected more urgency, its intensifying rhythm manifested by a most magnificent riff. It is impossible not to nod along to this one.

“Who knows, If I’m heading for the ground below?”

The third song of the evening with the supreme evil one ‘gracing’ the title. It seems the old adage is true, the devil does have all the good music. The Devil You Know is just a superbly crafted piece of riffy, hook-laden rock with enormous crossover appeal.

Hooks like that are a gift from God if you’ll forgive the paradox.

Once again an impeccable solo from Chris. He has that mark of a true great player whereby their ‘indulgences’ are perfectly in tune with each number and not the other way around.

Their breakthrough single, Not Your Enemy, needs no introduction and brought their assured, well-balanced set to a celebratory finale.

To illustrate the effect this performance had on the audience, at various points throughout the set I would cast a brief glance to my right to observe one particular lady dance so enthusiastically. This was someone who not only loved the music but felt every beat in her heart and soul.

Take a bow, Sally. You had the true spirit of rock ‘n’ roll driving you this evening.

In summary, Stone Broken are a talented, dedicated and highly proficient outfit who remain most engaging and extremely humble.

Long may they prosper as I feel that they have the capacity, both in creating and execution, to follow the trail blazed by other rising artists such as Those Damn Crows and Massive Wagons and become major players over the next decade or so.