Stone Broken – Ain’t Always Easy (Album Review)

Set for release on Friday, April 13, 2018, through Spinefarm Records, Ain’t Always Easy is the latest album from UK Hard Rock outfit Stone Broken. That in mind, before going any further, some may not be all too familiar with who exactly Stone Broken are, so let’s quickly sum up their story… 

Growing up, Hard Rock Guitarist/Vocalist Rich Moss lived his teenage years idolizing his rockstar heroes and was steadfast in deciding he too would one day rock the stage. As life can be challenging, Moss faced an inconceivable tragedy when alcoholism took the life of a former bandmate. At this point, Moss’s dreams of making it as a musician became understandably too difficult and he deserted music for life as an analyst.

Then, in 2013, unable to escape his destiny, Moss once again got the itch to play music, so he called upon a dear friend and musical peer, Drummer Robyn Haycock. Soon, the pair formed Stone Broken along with Guitarist Chris Davis and Bassist Kieron Conroy. Not taking this opportunity for granted, from day one, Walsall, England’s Stone Broken boldly set out on a course to turn their Rock-n-Roll fantasy into a reality. To start, an unsigned Stone Broken took a ‘Do it Yourself’ attitude and, in 2014, using their own funds, released the EP The Crow Flies. 

Gaining momentum, in 2016, Stone Broken garnered the attention of British Rock fans and media alike when the band released their first LP, All In Time. Producing All In Time was veteran Producer Romesh Dodangoda, whose production credits range from Motörhead to Bring Me The Horizon. Heavily influenced by huge acts like Halestorm, Shinedown, and Alter Bridge, All In Time catapulted Stone Broken onto English radio stations with hearty Rock songs like “Let Me Go” and “Wait For You.”

After taking over their homeland market, in early 2017, Stone Broken were ready to break in the U.S. and the world over. As the band entered Long Wave Recording Studios, located in Cardiff, Wales, Stone Broken began the process of recording their aforementioned second album, Ain’t Always Easy. Once again working with Dodangoda at the soundboard, Stone Broken would give life to an album worthy of making the band one of the most inspiring acts in the game. Come October 2017, Stone Broken’s hard work paid off as the band signed to Spinefarm Records.

Which leads us to Ain’t Always Easy, an album which presents a strong collection of well-written, moving Hard Rock music that is certain to propel Stone Broken to the next level. The 11-track journey starts off with the potent opening hook of “Worth Fighting For.” Sonically pleasing, this is Stone Broken’s battlecry to stand up for what we believe and fight for the world we desire. The suggestive lyrics of “Let Me See It All” match well with the song’s hefty groove before “Heartbeat Away” tackles the seriousness of domestic abuse. Based on situations Moss personally witnessed, here, through music, the singer accounts for the impact on those involved while giving strength and a profound voice to anyone who has ever been affected by domestic violence.

Uncovering the heart of Stone Broken, the wishful ballad “Home” pours over the painfulness of leaving home and the longing which coincides. “Follow Me” is a catchy tune with excellent lyrics, recommending we stick by this person in order to retreat. Feeding off Moss’s relationship with music, “I Believe” channels Stone Broken’s faith in their musical tenure. Transitioning smoothly, “Doesn’t Matter” suggests nothing matters if you do not believe in yourself before a compelling “Anyone” relates to wanting someone so bad you will do anything to be with them. “Just A Memory” shows carrying on is impossible if you are dwelling on the past, and then “Otherside” has no regrets. A fitting conclusion to Ain’t Always Easy, “The Only Thing” is a great Rock-n-Roll tune, possibly about the warm camaraderie within Stone Broken or someone who makes your life complete just by being around.

A tell-all album, taking in Ain’t Always Easy will uncover the copious layers of Stone Broken, and in turn, listeners will heavily absorb the band’s undying passion for writing music. That said, Ain’t Always Easy holds great songs simply waiting to be huge hits on Rock radio as Stone Broken bring to pass expressive and meaningful music layered by effective chords to tug at those heart-strings and shake foundations.

For Stone Broken, these defiant Rockers set their sights on worldwide success, and Ain’t Always Easy is the bands surefire ticket to realize their dreams. A must listen, CrypticRock gives Ain’t Always Easy 5 out of 5 stars.

Purchase Ain’t Always Easy:

[amazon_link asins=’B077ZTXM8T,B078XH1J7J’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’crypticrock-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’cf49dc23-3bdf-11e8-a200-c548473f3fab’]