Album Review: Stonefield - As Above, So Below

This sibling quartet took out Unearthed High in 2010 (when their ages ranged from 12 to 20), but even back then they didn't sound like a kiddie rock band. Stonefield have always held their own, but As Above, So Below surpasses all preconceived notions of the sonic terrain these rockin' sisters can effortlessly traverse. Don't freak out, though. The band's killer riffs and headbanging opps prevail, but subtler tracks such as Midnight and Lonely demonstrate a previously uncharted emotional depth; Stonefield can take it down a notch while still demanding your full attention.     

From the psychedelic keys and Amy Findlay's impossibly prolonged vocal roars in the album's fittingly titled opener Sister all the way through to closer Eagle with its shimmering cymbals, sustained pace and squally guitar riffs, we're won over. But we're especially obsessed with standout track Changes! It's self-assured, with sparkling harmonies and meandering riffs (Hannah Findlay, we satanic-salute your supreme guitar mastery) — everything is exactly where you want it to be. There's a wistful quality to the guitar work in Love and the grungy vocal style previously underutilised by Amy suits her well, showcasing versatility. Jamming with Kram has obviously guided Stonefield toward stylistic approaches they may never have otherwise explored. The visual of the four Findlay sisters working diligently on songs in The Shed on their parent's Darraweit Guim property remains, but there's an added worldliness that should propel them global in no time.