The quartet—consisting of frontman Fin Power, guitarist Elliot Gil, bassist Sarah Surrage, and drummer Alex Smith—have taken the UK live scene by storm over the past two years, with dynamic performances that include numerous sold-out headline tours and support slots for artists like Yungblud, Sam Fender, and Inhaler. This relentless touring schedule has helped build a loyal fanbase, and the album explores themes of love, addiction, and the challenges of modern life, pushing societal boundaries with honest and relatable lyrics. Each song peels back layers of raw emotion, offering a candid glimpse into the band’s psyche.
Released on July 12th, Liverpool’s STONE showcases a more heartfelt and polished style on their debut album, Fear Life For A Lifetime. The album has been eagerly anticipated by fans, teased with singles like ‘My Thoughts Go,’ ‘Save Me,’ and ‘Queen.’
STONE’s rise to success has been marked by strong support from Radio 1 and widespread acclaim. Their debut album sold out instantly in its limited-edition Blood Records zoetrope vinyl release. Known for their instantly addictive indie-rock anthems, STONE speaks to the experiences of their generation, with Fin Power’s charisma and electrifying stage presence serving as their not-so-secret weapon. His unique vocal delivery and compelling accent add an authentic British essence to the band’s sound, which resonates throughout the album.
Produced in Vermont by Rich Costey, known for his work with HAIM and Biffy Clyro, the album retains a strong British essence while benefiting from polished, high-quality production. The album opens with the title track ‘Fear For A Lifetime,’ which immediately sets the tone with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics. It’s a powerful opener that draws listeners in and prepares them for the emotional journey ahead. ‘My Thoughts Go’ follows, offering a more upbeat tempo and an anthemic chorus that showcases the band’s knack for crafting memorable hooks.
‘Queen’ and ‘Roses’ stand out with their Britpop influences, jangly guitars, and catchy melodies that harken back to the genre’s heyday. However, the album doesn’t completely abandon the band’s indie-punk roots. Songs like ‘Train’ and ‘Save Me’ pick up the frantic energy of their early material, featuring punchy, poised production that coexists with the disorientation expressed in the lyrics, such as “I swear I’m living in The Matrix.”
Frontman Fin Power describes the album as a reflection of community, passion, love, and overcoming challenges. He hopes listeners will find their own stories within the songs, connecting with the band’s genuine portrayal of their experiences. “This album is about community, passion, love, hate, singing, and dancing,” Power says. “It speaks for all of our experiences, and we want to portray who we really are. I’m hoping people can relate to it and maybe find their own stories through our songs. It also shows that no mountain is too high to climb, and no problem is too hard to solve. We mean what we say and we want to be a voice for those who are misunderstood.”
Fear Life For A Lifetime is a stellar debut that is sure to resonate with STONE’s ever-growing fanbase and solidify the group’s place in the indie-rock scene. The album’s blend of heartfelt lyrics, polished production, and infectious energy showcases the band’s ambition and talent, proving that they are primed to level up while staying true to their roots. With this impressive debut, STONE has established itself as a band to watch, and Fear Life For A Lifetime is an album that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.
Written by: Ilse Muis
Edited by: Molly Day
