The Stonewall Vessels are an indie/alternative rock band based out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and comprised of members Darrion Washington (lead vocals/guitar), Josh McNamee (guitar/vocals), Luke Krizner (guitar), Josh Perry (drums), and Jake Salinger (bass). On Christmas Eve, the 5 piece released two new singles on Bandcamp. I just discovered these tracks and felt it was only right to give them their time of day.

“The Great Swindle” is the first of those shared. Starting off with a smooth electric guitar line, the melody is soon broken up by percussion eighth note hits on the downbeat. This pattern leads to a shift in the instrumental, mainly featuring the synchronization of the rhythm guitar and percussion while the lead electric guitar creates fluidity in the piece. As the lead vocal enters, the instruments moving in tandem complement the lyrical phrasing and accent the overall composition. While this rhythm is a mainstay during the initial verses, the repetition of the melody is a bonus for the listener, making it easier for the audience to identify and understand the background arrangement and thus transfer its focus to the lyrical message. However, the listener should not get too comfortable with this melodic line, as an instrumental break changes up what has become the norm. The new rhythms and the intertwining parts first produces the illusion of a faster tempo. However, a deviation in the rhythm guitar to downbeat, staccato strums adjusts the melody again. Tracing the instrumental throughout the track, it is clear that each respective part was developed with thought, as a layered texture of different timbres and rhythms makes the melody interesting to follow.

Washington’s haunting lead vocal assists in the portrayal of the lyrics. Claiming to be fighting “an endless war within my skull”, the piece explores the difficulty of trying to decipher who you are as an individual. The notion “I’m not a washed up curse / I am an honest wind” displays opposing public and personal perspectives of the narrator. This struggle to correct what others see us as and to convince those around us of our changed ways or true character is something that many can relate to. The most jarring lines for me are introduced at the end of the piece, as Washington continuously asks “who am I gonna be?”, finally ending with “can someone tell me?”.  His dynamic range and pure vocal tone highlight the desperation in these questions.

“Candle Light“, although released months earlier on SoundCloud, is also included in the 12/24 Singles album on Bandcamp. From the first play, the track displays heavier rock tendencies. Washington’s vocal, although still demonstrating his higher range, is rougher in nature to accompany the abrasive melody. A mysterious instrumental introduction is accomplished courtesy of stacked, legato electric guitar effects. The lyrics delve into the first signs of a relationship, as the narrator is “breathing her in like the first sign of spring”. He knows that, once he is with her, his “sadness will begin to go away”. Even with this positive attitude, believing in all of the good that will come out of this partnership, the narrator still has some doubts due to his past experiences. This anxiety stems from the lines “I just want to be worth it this time / I am the worrying kind”.

The bass guitar and percussion are utilized to accomplish a shift in the melody, splitting the piece into two distinct sections. The narrator chooses to jump in and take a chance, realizing how much of an impact this woman has on his life. In a much broader sense, the latter half also plays into the band’s tagline “we believe in believing in yourself“. Even though the lyrics are limited, the repetition of the three central lines is key to understanding what The Stonewall Vessels are all about. “Everybody’s got that something keeping them alive / everybody’s got that something helping them survive” exemplifies what it’s like to have a passion. The follow up question “how will I know if I never even try?” alludes to contemplating whether or not to pursue this dream, perhaps afraid of failure but even more afraid of never taking the risk in the first place.

The Stonewall Vessels are hitting the stage this Friday, 1/13 as participants in The Willow Says Showcase at Ground Floor 2.0 in Williamsport, PA. Music bloggers, reviewers, and fans of the band alike rave about their live show, so if you’re in the area be sure to check them out!

Purchase “The Great Swindle”, “Candle Light”, and other tracks by The Stonewall Vessels on Bandcamp, iTunes, and Amazon.

Stream music by The Stonewall Vessels on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp.

Stay up to date with The Stonewall Vessels on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

DISCLAIMER:  All views and opinions expressed on this site are my own and do not represent the views and opinions of any entity whatsoever with which I have been, am now, or will be affiliated.