Station – Wired

STATION
WIRED
Released on March 2, 2013 (Station Music)

Track List:
01. Everything
02. True Believer
03. I’d Understand
04. Don’t Take Heaven Away From Me

Band Members:
Patrick Keamey – vocals
Chris Lane – guitar
Mike Anderson – bass
Brain Karl – drums

Production:
Produced by Michael Wagener.

Review:
With the latest trend in melodic rock being predominantly contributed from overseas acts, it appears the Scandi bands’ monopoly may be in jeopardy. It is refreshing to know that a band as amazing as Station hails from the easterly shores of the good ole USA, the big apple if you please — New York City. That’s right, amazing — I said it.

The only drawback to this EP, aptly titled Wired, is that it is only an EP — what a damn tease. Open case, insert disc, and enjoy four of the most polished, well written, perfectly structured and just plain old enjoyable kick ass rock ‘n’ roll ditties you could ever hope to hear come rollicking out of your stereo — ensconcing your soul, having you sing along in seconds and air guitaring like it was 1980-something. But alas, then all too soon the disc is over. I know it’s sad, but certainly leaves you aurally pleased, satisfied, and yet wanting more — so much more. Why you say, because it’s that good — Wired is like ear heroin, like soup, like nothings bad — let me tell you that much.

The band as a whole is as solid as you can get. The players are really talented musicians and it shows throughout on Wired. One highlight, and there are many, is the intro to “Everything”. It starts out with vocals, guitar and drums, real catchy and up-tempo, and then in walks the bass and some extra crunchy guitar and you’re like, ‘well hello’ — it makes for simple yet highly effective song writing. The hard rocking and insanely hook-laden “True Believer” and “Don’t Take Heaven Away From Me” (the latter with a lead riff reminiscent of the break in Van Halen‘s “Panama” — “I can barely see the road from the heat coming off…”), and of course the heartfelt acoustic balladry of “I’d Understand (think Extreme‘s “More Than Words” and “Whole Hearted”), round out the soon to be classic rock anthems on this EP.

Chris Lane is a fantastic and technically proficient guitarist, playing excellent riffs throughout but not going over the top. Tasteful is what his work here is while Patrick Keamey‘s vocals are truly infectious. The man’s got range with a super distinct style and his voice is refreshingly crisp and clean. Soaring highs and tons of melody, he reminds me of Tell No Tales era Tony Harnell — heck the whole EP reminds me of that disc, and classic TNT for that matter. I also get a good smattering of Kix, ZO2, Extreme and, dare I say, a little of The Darkness. Rounding out the band is bassist Mike Anderson and drummer Brian Karl, holding the songs’ bottom end together with all the subtle layering of fills and thrills that makes your speakers flex and your windows rattle.

If you dig amazing melodies, strong harmonies, and songs that get your toes tapping, your eyes smiling and your soul singing, then Station‘s Wired will surely please. If the momentum from this EP rolls into what I could only hope is a 2014 full-length, then Station should be poised to make their mark on more than the lucky SOB’s back East and share their wealth with the rest of us around the globe.

www.stationband.com – www.facebook.com/StationNYC

Reviewed by Terry Martinson for Sleaze Roxx, February 2014

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