Where do I begin when talking about The Stands? Lets start with the fact that Noel Gallagher gives them his seal of approval. That should be enough to spark your curiosity. The four-piece from Liverpool has given the world a piece of pop perfection. Their debut record All Years Leaving really showcases the talents of singer-songwriter Howie Payne. Yes, they wear their influences on their sleeves, mixing together the sounds of the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and the Byrds. The songs throughout the record are somewhat simple yet completely memorable, showing that sometimes less is more. The album starts off with “I’ve Waited So Long”, mixing late ’60s/early ’70s British rock of the Kinks with a hint of country twang. “Outside Your Door” continues with the rustic sound, although Payne’s vocals could easily be mistaken for John Lennon on this track. Their Beatles influence is even more evident on “When The River Rolls Over You”, which sounds like an outtake from Revolver. The jangly guitars and perfect harmonies on “Here She Comes Again” will easily get your toes tapping during your morning commute. The album closes with the Doors-like jam session “The Way She Does”, filled with swirling Hammond organ and some of the finest guitar work I’ve heard this year. The brilliance behind this album is not that they have an original sound, but what they do have is the ability to craft some of the finest melodies around. They have brought back an era where the chorus is king, song structure is simple, and the tunes are infectious. The entire album is filled with timeless songs that truly show the talent of The Stands. By the way, Paul McCartney also gives them a thumbs up.

The Stands
Echo

1. The Stands’ Howie Payne Premiers Solo Material
2. The Stands’ Howie Payne Debuts Solo Material
3. Live – The Stands At NYC’s Mercury Lounge
4. Live – The Stands Perform At Cornerstone Promotion
5. Hello, Hello