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Music Reviews:

Stimulator - Lovelier In Black

Stimulator Records – 2010

The album title couldn't be more appropriate.  The last time I saw this band in person was their New York City show in October 2004.  I remember it well because it was the night (game) the Boston Red Sox started their improbable comeback (down 3 games to zero and were losing the game)  to comeback and win four straight and the American League Championship versus. the New York Yankees. and eventual winning the World Series (the first time in 84 years).

At that time, Singer Susan Hyatt was sporting blondish hair in a spunky, cute kind of way.  It fit her and that band quite well.  Flash forward six years and the girl has reinvented her look as a stunning dark haired beauty.  When I first saw this album cover, I was even sure it was her.  I thought maybe it a was a model, but it's not.

The guitar keyboard groove Geoff Tyson establishes an "Untouchable" his distinctly his.  It's got that dark edgy feel that is great for Hyatt to work off.  Chad Stewart plays the deliberate drums that underline the rest of the tune.

Hyatt gets perky with "You think You're Sorry Now."  She alternates between a fun girl to a scorned woman on a mission.  This tune is a good example of how this band can grab a rhythm and create super glue-trap like chorus hooks.

"Lovelier In Black" is a slow swaying song that is highlighted by the underlining male voice.  The orchestration within this song is a tribute to the instrumental skills of the musicians involved.

I like how Susan's voice is mixed in "Saints Or Strangers."  She is put upfront and exposed letting her carry the tune.  The little keyboard in this fourth tune is so simple and ingeniously effective.

Hyatt heats things up with "Me & My Rhythmbox."  The gothic princess gets naughty and you'll love her for it.

"Live Like Gods" should be licensed by every movie theater because I could hear this catchy tune played between showings.  It just has that universally appreciated sound.  Tyson plays a real tasty slide guitar mid-way through until the end of the track.

The slow stomping orchestral wonder of "Just Be A Man" made me think of the sound of a David Lynch film.  It's like Stimulator goes into Angelo Badalamenti mode.  Cool, artistic and unique.

"My Science" is an experimental piece of alternative pop rock.  It's actually a platform for Hyatt to speak her brutally honest candid female mind.

Hyatt gets a little angry to give "I Won't Let You Down" just the right edge.

The Band lightens the mood to "Chasing The High."  For some reason the way Hyatt sings this song reminds me of Sheryl Crow.

Sonny Buno's "The Beat Goes On" has just the right flavored kookiness to make it taste good.

Lovelier In Black is another superb record by this diverse band.  It's not hard to appreciate the musical genius of Geoff Tyson who always strives to bring music that will get you into his groove in ways not many others would attempt or have the skill to pull off.

Susan Hyatt is fun to listen to.  With her lyrics, she makes you think of what it's like to look at the world thru her unblinking eyes.  Plus the woman is incredibly beautiful, elegant and becoming in black.

Get Stimulated.

www.stimulatortheband.com