Album: in the garden
Artist: Stone Skipper
Released: February 23, 2024- Bored Science LTD
“In the Garden” is the first and newest album from the Folk Punk Band: Stone Skipper. The band hails from Pennsylvania, Philadelphia specifically. I have no clue what they are putting in the water out there in PA but that state produces an exceptional amount of really good bands. Stone Skipper’s strong first release is proving that observation true yet again.
“1991 Jeep Comanche” is the first song on the album and it is pure vibes. I am a sucker for banjos and this song has some great banjo melodies. The lyrics sing of finding peace in a secluded lifestyle in the country away from harm. The vocals and music are calming and work to create a serene atmosphere. I spent most of my teenage years in rural Ohio and this song makes me a little nostalgic for that time and place in my life. While this is a tough call, I think this song is my favorite on the album, because of the amount of visceral nostalgia it makes me feel. “Too Young” has a great vocal performance that is rhythmic and catchy. It works well in conjunction with the drum beats and banjo. The lyrics sing of feeling overwhelmed by all of life’s problems and wanting to run away from everything to avoid it. Even though I’m quite literally a middle-aged man, I find this a very relatable feeling. I again really love the cadence of this song it is endlessly enjoyable. “I Never Paid a Toll” is the most heartwarming song on the album. It is about the joy of finding a person that truly and completely gets who you are as a person and the courage and freedom to be yourself you get from that type of relationship. The lyrics are humorous and a little cheeky. The song is definitely a bop. The last track I want to highlight is actually a cover of “I Don’t Even Smoke” originally by the band Stick and Poke. It’s a great cover. Plus, I think the song fits very well with the sound and feeling of this album. It’s cool it seems Stone Skipper is paying homage to a band that hasn’t been active in a while but made great music that I really enjoyed.
Stone Skipper’s “In the Garden” provides everything I want from a Folk Punk album. Catchy instrumental performance, meaningful lyrics that are ripped straight from personal experiences all crammed into a punk rock soul. This album is a solid must listen for any fans of the genre.
This review was originally posted on March 23, 2024 on the former LFDH substack.
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