STONE WHISKEY is a hard rock band, their debut album "Rebels Of The Sun" (independently released May 7, 2021) leaving little doubt as to that fact. During the album's almost 40 minutes this Raleigh, NC (USA) quintet demonstrate they have mastered the musical stylings of GUNS AND ROSES, VAN HALEN, AC/DC, MÖTLEY CRÜE, and THE CULT, while incorporating subtle tonalities evidencing such southern icons as LYNYRD SKYNYRD, THE BLACK CROWES, BLACKFOOT, and MOLLY HATCHET. In theory, what's not to like? Fortunately, in actuality, STONE WHISKEY gave me a lot to like!

Alan Rueda's voice demonstrates some of the versatility of a young STEVEN TYLER; he can, as the mood of the song dictates, sing nicely, scream shrilly, or cop an attitude. Jim Hunter (bass) and Mike Ropelewski (drums) forcefully lay down the rhythm; their sound big and bold, but never overpowering. Guitarists Bill Spears and Chris Clark are a tight duo; their playing fitting the rhythm and they refrain from becoming pyrotechnicians when soloing, instead channeling a classic rock sound with a touch of wailing blues.

STONE WHISKEY come at the listener right out of the gate with "Into The Moonlight," an adrenalized rocker pushed forward and held together by a rhythm that has touches of VAN HALEN and GNR. "Empty Eyes" quickly became one of my favorites, establishing a marching, almost funky groove. Rueda sings with attitude and the guitar solo, while starting as an extension of the rhythm, transitions to having a bluesy feel. The title track, "Rebels Of The Sun," is more dramatic, demonstrating a fuzzy, southern tonal sensibility ala THE BLACK CROWES. A mid-song tempo shift ratchets up the action, but then it simmers back down.

"Out On The City" is a driving, solid rock number; putting me in mind of what it would sound like if AC/DC covered VAN HALEN's "Panama." The bass, drums, and guitar come together to play some serious grooves on "Troublemaker," another song with a bit of a southern drawl. The track also has a faint start-stop quality to it, making the tune even more interesting. "Mirror" sounds like a mash-up of THE CULT meets KIX. The vocal harmonies are impressive, foreshadowing what comes on the next number, "Feels Like Yesterday."

A ballad of longing, "Feels Like Yesterday" is a respite from the hard rock of the prior six tracks. Initially the number is acoustically driven with a bit of echoey electric guitar adding to the spare feel, the drum and bass eventually kick in to establish a solid beat. The guitar solo is big but gentle and the vocal harmonies are, again, on point.

The lull of "Feels Like Yesterday" is shattered by the hard rocking groove of "Talkin' Dirty." In my notes I pay this song my highest respects, having written "something I could fight to." "Livin' Wild" is a good time party song. It has the air of sleazy pop-metal, along the lines of FASTER PUSYCAT.

"Rebels Of The Sun" is a hard rock album in the truest sense of that label, positioning STONE WHISKEY as a band of which to take notice (given the chance, I'd go see them). Melodic, with hooks you could hang your hat on, "Rebels Of The Sun" has no quit from beginning to end. My advice: play this album loud, your neighbors might enjoy it too!