Chris Stanley

Chris Stanley’s self-titled EP showcases a high degree of professionalism across its four tracks. Each song operates within the successful formula of mid-nineties alternative rock, thought without any trace of irony or nostalgia. Thirty years ago this would have slotted in perfectly alongside Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox 20 on your corporate FM dial. Today, it comes across as an anachronism that, while it may have missed its moment, still showcases the power of bygone forms. 

 

True to its corporately produced influences, “Chris Stanley” is pristinely recorded and performed. Every instrument comes through with clarity and balance, and they’re mixed into a perfectly tuned product. The instruments are performed with trained precision, every element bringing precisely what the song needs without overdoing it.

 

Most of the EP is driven by tasteful and powerful acoustic guitars (save the impressive piano-driven opener “World Goes Around”), often with heavily rhythmic strumming or picking that creates a luscious depth to the songs.

Some distortion beefs up the second track “Outgrown” similar to the effect in Coldplay’s “Yellow,” but for the most part the dynamics maintain a steady comfort. The vocals are precise yet rough, delivered with a slight affect that lands somewhere between Rob Thomas and Dave Matthews —fans of either singer’s band will find a lot to like in Chris Stanley’s songs. 

 

The effort and precision in the songwriting and recording suggest that Chris Stanley offers these tunes wholeheartedly, rather than as an homage to yesteryear's alt-pop hits. The playing, recording, and songwriting is every bit as strong as the songs that dominated rock radio stations at the end of the CD era. For fans looking to relive that glory, Chris Stanley is a sure bet.