Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington - High Rise

(CD EP Review)

****

The Pilots are taken for a short walk in the park!

Stone temple Pilots have released a new EP featuring Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington. I was never a huge fan of Linkin Park, mainly because I always felt that Chester’s voice didn’t really suit the style of music they played? However this Stone Temple Pilots EP, comprising of a collection of five new tracks, showcases his voice beautifully.

Opening track 'Out of Time' starts off the proceedings nicely, with its energetic underlying riff and fantastic vocal throughout. This is a track the band should have recorded in the Scott Weiland era, but if they are trying to lay this ghost to rest, they have succeeded nicely with this classic sounding Stone temple Pilot's track. Second number “Black Heart” is a very Beatle esque sounding track, with its beautifully crafted melody and foot stomping beat, it’s catchy enough to get you humming along after the first listen, and the instantly recognisable chorus hooks you from the start.

'Same on the Inside' does have a tinge of Linkin Park to it, especially when it comes to the guitar and vocal delivery. I wouldn’t say it’s one of the stronger tracks on the EP though. 'Cry, Cry' definitely takes the listener back to original Stone temple Pilots days, with Bennington’s vocals taking on a very familiar Weiland sound. This is probably the stand out track for me, with it’s jerking riff and push the boat out chorus, diehard fans of the band will definitely appreciate this one for sure. Finally we end with closing track 'Tomorrow', this pulls out all of the stops, and delivers a very Deep Purple sounding vibe.

This number really does prove Chester’s vocal ability, and along with the beautifully crafted rhythm section merging superbly with the quality guitar sound, this song should prove the band have made the right decision with their current line up. Hopefully this will get the radio airtime it deserves.

Review by Helen Westby

Check Out! the lyric Video for 'Black Heart' Below...