Thom Stone performs with genuine emotion in this magical EP.
It bodes well that Thom Stone has already played support for the likes of Laura Marling, Jamie T and Kid Harpoon. Why? Simply because what these three have in common are the techniques and talent to rise above most other singer/songwriters in this saturated genre. Can Thom Stone create the same acoustic magic that we have come to expect from these other evolved artists? Well luckily, it seems he can, and that he has.
The bushy haired, wide eyed lad from Manchester releases his two part EP ‘Hearts And Bones’ on the 10th of August, ten tracks recorded in the confines of his own bedroom, and there’s some real jewels in this collection. ‘Hearts And Bones’ is filled with real life emotion. Yes finally! These are the type of lyrics that bring a sad smile to your face, or a single tear to your eye. Stone’s voice echo’s around the bedroom walls, bringing a feeling of closeness and warmth to the EP. The production may not be perfect, but honestly, if it were studio quality, you wouldn’t feel it as much. It feels like Stone is a friend, playing you his latest little ditties and you are Gobsmacked at just how good they are.
‘You Can Do What You Like’ is a strangely beautiful, three and a half minutes of strummed and plucked guitar, with the added inclusion of a deep, sorrowful cello in the background. There are noises there too, of slamming doors and friends talking in other rooms. And this adds to the feel of the track, with its concepts of closeness and warmth. ‘End Of The Road’ may be about love but it is in no way ‘just another love song’. With its wondrous lyrics such as "You’re like a winter coat when the night is getting cold", Stone sweeps through each word, softly yet purposefully.
‘I Will Always Leave You’, a truthful and melancholy tale of abandonment and regret, has the echo’s of a harmonica and a country styled acoustic guitar as Stone sings a happy tune with a sad message. Last but not least, finale track ‘Something I Said’ says goodbye to its listeners with a soothing, slow lullaby and the haunting sounds of ghostly, wailing background singers.
It is comforting to know that there are still singer/songwriters out there who are writing worthwhile material that contains real emotion, and not just the idea of it. All too often, heartfelt feeling seems to have been replaced by bottled melancholy. There is no magical formula to induce audience connection. You just have to feel it yourself and deliver that in each track, in each take, without remorse or second guessing. Thom Stone has done this and for that, he should be thanked.