Face of Stone is a Los Angeles-based music project consisting of songwriter/guitarist/producer Marc Palmer and singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Brad Schecter. Each has years of professional experience both as solo artists and with other bands. Marc has long been lead guitarist for L.A. band The Busboys, and Brad was previously in Scarred and Blue Embrace. Brad released his superb debut solo album Live Your Dreams in 2015 (which I reviewed last year, and you can read here). With Face of Stone, they bring to the table Marc’s skills at writing hard-hitting guitar-driven melodies and coaxing blistering riffs from his six-string, and Brad’s talents at penning compelling lyrics, vocal melodies and harmonies, as well as his great vocal abilities and skills with guitar, bass and drums.

They’ve just released their debut single “Red Moon Sky” and it’s a belter! We’re instantly hit with a relentless barrage of raging shredded guitars and gritty bass, punctuated by occasional blasts of distorted guitar that give the song added punch. The scorching riff in the bridge provides an extra dynamic as well. Brad’s raw, impassioned vocals are impressive, taking this electrifying track to even greater heights. It’s a fantastic debut that whets our appetite for more tasty rock treats from the duo.

Brad told me he purposely writes lyrics with some ambiguity so that more people can relate to them and draw their own conclusions. My take is that the song’s about the thin line between love and hate that can occur in a tempestuous relationship plagued by bad feelings and distrust:

Red Moon Sky. Time to heal until it hurts.
Not one to deny what you need to feel fulfilled.
Just not the one to do it.
You’re not someone who is capable of change.
No matter what, you stay the same.

Stream “Red Moon Sky” on Spotify / Apple Music / Reverbnation
Purchase on iTunes