Raleigh, North Carolina’s own 5 piece rock band “The Stone Chiefs” release their latest CD entitled Drive on in 2011. Band members include Dallas Perry (vocals), David Arnn (Guitar, Bass) Michael Neece (Drums), Aaron Wigg (guitar, bass, Backing vocals) and Brian Torrence (Guitar, Bass, Backing Vocals).

The CD kicks off  with “Drive On” a melodic yet hard hitting guitar groove served up hot against emotionally charged vocals, driving rock rhythm and a grand slam chorus. Track 2 “Mountain” serves up another rocking low end groove, complete with hard rocking musical flow coupled with hooky vocal accents from lead singer Perry and impressive southern fried musical flair. Track 3 “Mate of Mine” keeps things moving in the right direction with its pulsating rock groove meshed with an infectious vocal melody from Perry that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 rock solid tracks in a row. As the CD unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic rock acts like The Black Crows, The Screaming Trees, Creed and even brief splashes of 3 Days Grace and Kenny Wayne Sheppard. Right from the start you will notice Perry and company feel quite comfortable just letting it all hang out musically, not holding anything back and just being themselves. The overall musical vibe has a flair reminiscent of classic 90 hard rock, but you will also notice many Rocking R&B type-grooves as well - full of rock and soul. The guitar playing is hot to the touch delivering impressive solo guitar work aginst a solid rythem section. Now turing our attention over to frontman Dalls Perry. Perry clealry has all the trademarks of a classic front man persona. He clearly makes the (singer to listener) vocal connection each and every time. The songs themselves are short and sweet musical experiences, each one possessing unique personality, flair and signature groove. From heartfelt “Let it Rain” to my personal favorite “My Little Ann” to tranquil “Close the Door” to grooving “Younger” to striking “Come Down” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Straight Pipes” the perfect finale statement for a CD like this.

It’s hard to find any noticeable weaknesses with this CD – so I gave up trying.

From start to finish Drive On by The Stone Chiefs is an impressive release preiod! In fact it’s one of the best releases to slide across my desk this year. All these song go the full 12 rounds. The strong suit is clearly the overall song for song musical consistency - the playing and the writing. Since were on the subject the songwriting it's as good as it gets on this CD and can go toe to toe with any rock release out there right now. This CD packs a powerful punch yet is melodic and uplifting. Last but not least my hats off to the amazing talent of Dallas Perry. He is clearly the premier talent within this band. He has a world class vocal presence and appeal and if he just so happened to write all these songs - well he could be bigger than any of us realize at the moment. So if you like your guitar served up hot but with a nice touch of southern fried hospitality the n Drive On by "The Stone Chiefs" belongs in your hands right now. What else can I say - it's a grand slam!