The Stein Project - Creature Culture

​The Stein Project

​Creature Culture
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Jason Lohman (guitars/vocals) Spencer Stevens (drums/keyboards/vocals) and Cory Howie  (bass/vocals) are The Stein Project. Their recent release Creature Culture is a rocking EP, which draws from everything from ‘70s classic to heavier acts like Rage Against The Machine and System Of A Down. After spending some time with the EP I can say I like the way the band was able to combine these different aspects, which will attract a broad audience.

The band isn't reinventing the wheel by any stretch of the imagination but the delivery is solid. I was immediately attracted to the vocal style as well as the raw, gritty production style. The EP starts with “Creature Culture” and it works perfectly as an opener. It builds with guitars, a steady kick and eventually vocals. You can feel the anticipation that the song is going to break and it does. The tom drums roll and the guitars leave some space between the distorted power chords to create a dynamic transition. The song really starts to get aggressive as it progresses and as I mentioned earlier almost sounds like a hybrid of Rage Against The Machine and System Of A Down.

The band drips the spirit of rock with the next song “Dragon Church.” There is a sludgy metal vibe I enjoyed plus some very technically proficient ways the band plays around with timing. The band hits crescendo after higher crescendo which I’m sure is pretty incredible to see live.

”Berserk” is an adrenaline, induced song and features a different vocal style. I’m not sure who was singing the lead vocals during the first verse but whoever it was has a voice more prone towards metal. “Ghostlike” is more of a ‘90s alternative/grunge vibe while “Havoc” features some intense and impressive lead guitar.

I enjoyed Creature Culture from beginning to end. The only thing I would say to the band is to try and define a bit more of a niche sound. I kept on hearing influences throughout the song and would have liked to have left the listening experience with more of a defined, original sound. All things considered this is good listening so make sure to give it a spin.

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