Originally forming in 2008 in New Jersey, this quartet of musicians have been very active on the recording and live front for most of their career. STOLEN RHODES would describe their sound as American Rock, and I feel that this is an accurate description - as there are elements of Southern Rock, domestic homegrown influences from BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN to JON BON JOVI as well as a little bit of that purity that makes PEARL JAM an icon in the industry.

"Slow Horse" is their third release, following "From the Dark Side of 88" EP in 2009 and their first full-length "Falling Off the Edge" from 2011. This quartet just have a playful, endearing spirit that comes forth in every song - engaging choruses, story-telling lyrics of real life America and music that allows the foursome to jam a little bit in different directions while also writing very strong material. "50 Miles to Richmond" has an acoustic, almost folk meets country ideal at heart, Matt reaching a contemplative, reflective element in his vocals while you also get organ accents to tug at the heart strings. The band pick up the pace and guitar work between Matt, Kevin, and Dan on the follow up "Down in Flames", something that would appeal to LYNYRD SKYNYRD and ALLMAN BROTHERS fans - spitfire, quick hitting lyrics, a call and response vocal section and a catchy transition makes this one very exciting and easily can grab attention when performed live.

Of the final three songs, "Gone" grabs attention because of the strong blues-based guitar interplay and bar oriented storyline - something you could picture happening in middle America on a Saturday night, while "Life Is Never Finer" possesses a lot of old ZZ TOP qualities in terms of the picking and feel, although Matt's melodies are more in line with the roots of American Rock and not as deep as the masterful trio from Texas.

STOLEN RHODES may not be typical fare on this site, but I do know plenty of people that look for good old American Rock - and if so "Slow Horse" provides a tidy 20 minute capsule of material to spin incessantly.