Stavesacre: Friction (Tooth and Nail Records)

Stavesacre is synonymous with "Dream Team" for those of you who like your music hard and fast. Comprised of two members of the former punk/thrash band "The Crucified" , one member of "The Blamed" (also punk) and one member of "Focused" (hardcore), these guys are veterans when it comes to music that rocks with power.

Their first release "Friction" is far from an average debut. With so much experience under their belts already, the song-writing surpasses that of most new groups who are still testing the waters on their debut. The production, which was done by the same producer who did albums by Alice in Chains as well as White Zombie, is excellent.

Although both Jeff Bellew and Mark Saloman have recently appeared on industrial outings (Chatterbox, Argyle Park) no programming made its way onto the disc. Rather, Stavesacre has a decidedly guitar driven, tough feel. It also may be tempting to guess that Stavesacre would lean towards hardcore, however, upon hearing their music and their insistence that they are not a hardcore band one must admit that they are rather unique. Produced by the same guy who did Alice in Chains and White Zombie, each song is polished and clear. The majority of the songs move a rapid pace. Mark Saloman's vocals range from rhythmic speaking to soaring cries of determination. Lyrically, this band is intelligent. Instead of just repeating the same chorus over and over separated by short verses, they develop each lyric into a complete message, both thoughtful and complete. Full of metaphors and conversation, Stavesacre explores sinfulness of the self and of the world and instead of leaving their listeners with just a picture of an ugly world, they also clearly include the other side of eternity in their conclusions. Bursting with the Truth, Stavesacre can't help telling it like it is.

Stavesacre musically follows their message. Occasionally, a band will demonstrate musical and lyrical competence however their music will stir up emotions different than their lyrics would suggest. If the message is rough, so is the tune, the sound and the beat. If hopeful, then the band changes to meet the change.

I was able to get in a word with Mark Saloman at a concert Stavesacre played in Elgin, IL this past spring. Personally, he represented Stavesacre with a true zeal for outreach to non-Christians. Even after a long night and a full show, he had the energy and personality to talk with myself (just another 19 year old guy at the show) about some of his past projects and hopes for the future. In a world of arrogance and pride (to which Christians are not immune) my short encounter with Mark was humble yet hopeful. I'm rooting for Stavesacre on a personal and a musical level.

-Brian Smith BSmith5530@aol.com

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