Stage
Stage
Maverick
It’s a bit discouraging, really, the sheer amount of bands like this that are around these days. Why do people bother with it? Anyway, this is another semi-grunge act following in the wake of Nickelback and label fellows Home Town Hero. Greg Wattenberg (Five For Fighting) produced this, and it shows – truth be told, Stage are, at the very least, better than that particular anemic outfit, but this is still safer and more sedated than anyone could ever hope for.
Tracks like “I Will Be Something,” “Perfect” and “I Know Where You Are” could definitely pop up on a radio station near you in the next few months, but that’s not necessarily saying they’re any good. “Live Happy, Live Anorexia” is an anguished and climaxing track that stands miles above the rest – more of this, please! Elsewhere, Stage sit a bit too comfortably next to your regular Better Than Ezras and Dishwallas for comfort, and it’s just another case of a band trying too hard and feeling too much without really fooling anyone.
Maverick Records: http://www.maverick.com
