stanley

Combining alternative/indie-rock with haunting melodies and pop sensibility, you can hear echoes from the likes of Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Mew and Kent. This group first came together in the turn of the millennium, when vocalist-guitarist Peter Hakola and drummer Jussi Ilmonen decided to collaborate. The band has been in its current form since the summer of 2004. Before Stanley scored a record deal in 2006 with the indie label Mastermind Recordings Finland, they released three self-published EPs and played plenty of shows in Finland. Stanley’s critically acclaimed debut album “Skylines and Rooftops” was released on the 2nd of May 2007. There were two singles taken from the album, "Halo" and "Kill The Dawn". They both gained airplay on the finnish national radio channels, including YleX and Yle X3m, and the video for Kill The Dawn was playlisted on MTV Finland. The album has been given praising reviews in the Finnish media and it has also been received extremely well in public alike.
Skylines And Rooftops is exactly how it sounds like: sky-high and ambitious. This album was produced by Jonas Olsson (Callisto, Deep Insight) and introduces a band that plays together effortlessly and has heaps of talent - they play versatile and dynamic rock music. Stanley's debut album consists of a beautiful balance of energetic and infectious pop/rock and sentimental melancholy. Vocalist, Peter Hakola's personal voice and account is perfect for bringing the songs some depth. Skylines And Rooftops is a ten-track ensemble of dark hues and melodic indie-rock . Pieces like "Kill The Dawn", "Zenith", and "Soothing Waves" splendidly exhibit Stanley's musical versatility. The album's lyrics discuss relationships as well as facing death in a world where nothing is unchangeable. Skylines And Rooftops is definitely a must-hear.
- S.Saari / Mastermind Recordings
Skylines and rooftops reviews:
“….Stanley has obliviously done a lot of work, to put the pieces together before the recording of their debut album. The vocalist Peter Hakola´s expression is both self-confident and plausible, and the songs are well written too… – 4/5 (Soundi 5/2007)
Soundi (in Finnish)
"Based on the first listen, the melancholic melodies stay in mind. On the second listen, it's vocalist Peter Hakola's convincing expression. After that, you realize you have a Stanley jukebox inside your head, playing their catchy pieces non-stop. There are no actual weak links on the album, although there are a few that feel like space-fillers, but those are not bad either. The sound, in my opinion, is quite American, and I feel that Stanley would do well in the international market as a new band from the other side of the puddle..."4/5 (Desibeli.net 06/2007)
Desibeli.net (in Finnish)
"Indie record label Mastermind Recordings' newest baby is Skylines And Rooftops, a wholesome and atmospheric ensemble that embraces different type of melodies smoothly: the harder rock sound of "Leeches", the yankee-style radio rock pieces "Kill The Dawn", "Halo" and "Gray Skies" and a musings slightly similar to that of Mew and Smashing Pumpkins in "Zenith", "Soothing Waves" and "Setting Sun". You can find a lot of variety between the ten tracks, so there is no unnecessary repeat."4/5 (Rokkizine.com 05/2007)
Rokkizine (in finnish)
"...but I must point out their love for melancholy melodies in songs like the Kent-esque "Zenith" and "Soothing waves" which I am weak for. We're talking a rich artistic performance and songs full of nuances, crunchy guitar riffs and clean crispy guitar chords with beautiful vocal melodies on top. Another great new promising band from the land of the 1000 lakes!"
melodic.net 3,5/5
VOTE for our new single Kill the dawn!
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Yle X
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VOTE for the video:
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ORDER "Skylines and Rooftops":
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www.levyvirasto.net
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www.platta.net
Kill The Dawn Directed by Mikko Soukkala and Matti Pekkanen