Potter's Field
By Kaitlyn R. Bayne, Teen News Contributing Writer
Artist: 12 Stones
Genre(s): Alternative Rock, American Alternative, Post Grunge
Label: Wind-Up Records
Release Date: August 24, 2004
Format: Audio CD (1 disc)

This pure rock band from Mandeville, Louisana is all business. On 12 Stones' follow-up album “Potter’s Field,” this is shown to it’s full potential through loads of guitar backed with pounding drums. Even the seemingly sweet songs, like “Lifeless,” are filled to the brim with rock basics -- mumbled lyrics, screaming vocalists, and damaging decibels. If this band stays together any longer, they should rename themselves “Kidney Stones,” because you’ll have to pass one to get over it.

In “Shadows,” the guitar intro leads into the song, bringing a blast of drums with it. Immediately the pace and mood are set; fast and dark. The lyrics are uniquely different and truly deep as they talk of not being able to see if you don’t look. My favorite lyrics are “leave your hate behind.” That is the only calm message as the other words are hard to understand beneath the instruments.

“The Last Song” is curiously calming. The slow guitar and drums create a rock lullaby feeling. The repeated rhythm of going up and down the guitar scale brings to mind rocking a child before bed. It was so soothing I felt I should take a nap, until the next song jarred me awake.

“Far Away” was upbeat right off the bat. The drums and guitar, familiar to the other songs, can be found in abundance here. They went full throttle to keep the mood going. A bit of techno, squashed in the middle, seemed out of place. Still, I couldn’t help but replay it several times.

What I disliked most was the constant and annoying screamfest combined with garbled lyrics. I couldn’t hear the words even while reading the written lyrics during the song. Bottom line: the instruments were so overbearing that I couldn’t enjoy the vocalist. If this music style is your regular thing, then go for it. As for me, I’ll listen sparingly.

TRACKS
1. Shadows
2. The Last Song
3. Far Away
4. Speak Your Mind
5. Lifeless
6. Bitter
7. Photograph
8. 3 Leaf Loser
9. Stay
10. Waiting for Yesterday
11. In Closing

Product Resource Guide

Buy Potter's Field by 12 Stones at Amazon.com.

Download Rock music on iTunes.

Editor's Note: "Kaity" writes selected content for Teen News under the supervision of her Mom Kim. All email sent to the Teen News Editor is received and reviewed by Kim M. Bayne.