Perpetually forward looking, brothers Dean And Robert DeLeo along with drummer Eric Kretz, the nucleus of the Stone Temple Pilots, have consistently triumphed over periods of adversity in their 30 years together. Starting a new chapter in late 2017 with the addition of X Factor Season 3 runner up Jeff Gutt, their third lead vocalist in four years, the new and vastly improved STP have never looked back.
Building on the momentum created with the release of Gutt’s impressive debut with the band, 2018’s Top 40 selling self titled Stone Temple Pilots record
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the revitalized band has returned with the all acoustic Perdida album, one of their most daring and adventurous records to date. Utilizing an approach similar to King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard’s 2015 Paper Mâché Dream Balloon album, STP realize all 45 minutes of their latest album using only vintage acoustic instruments. With the exception of electric bass, lead guitar and keyboards, the entirely acoustic Perdida album reads like an artfully curated showcase of unplugged original slow jams, power ballads sans the schmaltz. In place of electric guitar solos STP offer up a delicious serving of sax, violin and flute solos over a string section of cello, viola and violin. Heck, they even throw in a marxophone (look it up).
Not dissimilar in approach to The Eagles live Hell Freezes Over album or Nirvana’s Unplugged, what sets STP’s Perdida apart is the fact that all the material performed is entirely original, that and the fact that the record was not recorded in front of a live audience. Like The Doors and The Who before them, the secret to the Stone Temple Pilots continuing success is the all too often overlooked power trio behind the lead singer, the rhythm section and swanky lead guitar that just won’t quit.
8.5/10
2020 Song Of The Day Club
Bi-Weekly Record Review 8/26