Stolen Rhodes / Wiskey Dixie

“I usually describe us as American or Americana Rock to most folks,” explains Stolen Rhodes’ singer/multi-instrumentalist Matt Pillion. “If folk music were turned up to eleven and included guitar solos, I think you would get in the ballpark of what we are. Our music pulls no punches, and we always speak from the heart while in verse.”  
Upon hearing the group’s new EP, ‘Slow Horse,’ you’re sure to agree with Pillion’s assessment. Listing such renowned/respected acts as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Pearl Jam as their main influences, the group (which also includes guitarist Kevin Cunningham, bassist Dan Haase, and drummer Eric Skye) has already garnered rave reviews from the press, including the following blurbs:
 
“Stolen Rhodes’ songs easily could have existed in 1975; there are lots of infectious melodies, rousing choruses and juicy guitar solos.” — phillyburbs.com
 
“I was swept away by their romantic notions; of big dreams, endless love, and freedom. I could also get lost in the neverending choruses just as much as the guitars and drums and keys that make this album a long jam session that I didn’t want to end.” — relatemag.com
 
Originally formed during 2008 in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Stolen Rhodes has a total of three releases to their credit thus far, 2009’s ‘From the Dark Side of 88’ EP, 2011’s ‘Falling Off the Edge’ full length, and this year, the aforementioned ‘Slow Horse’ EP.
 
“The major memory I will take away from ‘Slow Horse’ is working with David Ivory,” recalls Haase. “Personally, I learned a lot about not necessarily how to write songs, but how to craft what I have written into a song. There are a lot of little things in the songs that we have written that the band never thought twice about, but after Dave heard them, he was coming back at us with new ideas. New arrangements. New, and most times more effective ways of delivering our music. Then I would go home and listen to a song on the radio, and I could hear some of the ideas that Dave was coming up with in music I would hear on MMR or XPN. It was really awesome to work with someone who challenged us like Dave did.” And as heard by such standout tracks as “Keeps Me Alive,” “50 Miles,” and “Life Was Never Finer,” the team of Ivory and the band worked wonders.
 
And judging by the acts that the quartet has already opened shows for (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Jackyl, Blackberry Smoke, etc.), the lads can bring it live, as well. As Pillion points out, “Expect to see a live show that will knock you on your ass, and keep you in the moment from start to finish. Playing live is what it’s all about for me, there’s nothing like it. When we go on that stage, we give the audience everything we have, and we have a great time doing it. We hope that energy and excitement translates to our audience.”
 
Lastly, what lays ahead for Stolen Rhodes? “Just keep hitting the road, and playing music for anyone who cares to hear,” predicts Haase. “The only way to grow is to get in front of people, and the more people we get in front of, and the more people that enjoy us, the more likely they are going to bring a friend next time we roll into town. We just gotta keep on truckin’, and keep putting in all the hard work it takes to be a rock and roll band in 2014.”