Album Review: Stonefield - Far From Earth

After winning triple j's Unearthed High competition way back in 2010, Victorian quartet Stonefield appeared to be on the path to stardom.

Two critically acclaimed albums, a number of EPs and countless local and international tours earned the group a reputation as one of Australia's hardest-working bands, but for some reason they've never hit the heights many predicted. Third album Far From Earth should change that.

Having signed to King Gizzard & The Lizard's Flightless Records, Stonefield deliver an inspiring dose of classic rock that hits harder than a shot of whiskey. Still inspired by the sounds of the '70s, Far From Earth is less psychedelic than Stonefield's previous efforts, rooted in the traditional heavy-rock and prog world of that decade.

It's an album of crunching guitars, pummeling percussion and the Findlay sisters' soaring harmonies. Lead singles Delusion and Far From Earth are celebratory rock tracks with chugging guitar riffs. Through The Storm is a grinding rock opera with touches of early Black Sabbath, Visions a combustible prog-rock trip, while Broken Stone seeps into a droney haze of melodies. The album comes to a fitting close with Celestial Spaces, a sludgy, uplifting instrumental demonstrating Stonefield's excellent musicianship and leaving you wanting more.