The tumultuous Stone Temple Pilots have regrouped after a lengthy hiatus to complete their sixth and self-titled studio album due out in May this year. If the debut single “Between the Lines” is anything to go by we’re in for a high energy ride.
With influences ranging from lounge music to bossa nova to psychedelic rock, STP lean towards hard rock while having melodies catchy enough to keep them mainstream. ‘Between the Lines’ is no exception.
After the split of the super group Velvet Revolver (with Duff McKagan, Matt Sorum & Slash of Guns N’ Roses), the release of critically acclaimed solo albums and a ton of controversy surrounding the on again off again addictions and somewhat erratic antics of front man Scott Weiland it is no surprise that ‘Between the Lines’ hits you instantly with crunchy post grunge rhythmic guitars and a rocking back beat.
As though STP have nothing left to prove, ‘Between the Lines’ sends a refreshingly positive message out from a group whose hits have been known to focus around self loathing, uncertainty and regretful love in the past.
With a bit of a 60’s feel, soaring lead guitar and Weiland’s edgy vocals STP seem to have moved on from the soul searching of their earlier years, managing to reflect on their wilder days while proving that even when a band gets older they can still give us one heck of a good time.
This catchy number makes me want to hit the dance floor, and lose my shit in an early 90’s kind of way. Safe to say ‘Between the Lines’ is doing everything but flogging a dead horse.
