Press
Interview by Joshua Smotherman, Indie Music Discovery September 4, 2024
MUSIC RELEASES
“Age of Rage” Single Released August 30, 2024
“I’ve got to say, this track from Waking Stone is super intense from start to finish. What impresses me most is how well they’ve managed to pull it off. The way they’ve balanced all the elements – the vocals, the instrumentals, the lyrics – it’s really phenomenal. They’ve created something that’s not just musically impressive, but emotionally impactful too…Ultimately, “Age of Rage” seems to be a wake-up call. It’s kind of warning us to step back and consider whether participating in this “age of rage” is really worth the cost to our society and ourselves. The song challenges us to find a better way forward, one that doesn’t involve getting caught up in the destructive cycle of anger and retaliation that seems to dominate our current era. All in all, ‘Age of Rage’ is a heavy rock Molotov cocktail, thrown with precision at the heart of our societal tensions.”
“What an absolute groove filled piece this is! I loved the way the bass just rumbled away, making its presence felt alongside that amazing guitar riff. The vocal performance – Nice to hear a female vocal with some power to it where the singer doesn’t feel like they have to rip their throat to bits to make an impression. Well written and produced track and highly enjoyable – cool guitar solo too.
Translation from Spanish: “Waking Stone has released their new single Age of Rage, a powerful musical statement that reflects the urgent need to wake up and raise your voice in an increasingly convulsive world. The song is a high-octane hard rock anthem that channels raw emotion and overflowing energy.”
“There’s no hiding the anti-war sentiment. War is hell and Waking Stone has plenty to say about it!…Beyond the song’s message is a performance that should not be lost amidst the rage. Ashley’s voice fucking soars, culminating in some screams toward the song’s end that would likely earn an approving nod from fellow peace-seeking powerhouse female singer, Grace Slick. Another prime influence in the arrangement and performance throughout “Age of Rage.”
Jim and Ashley are once again absolutely locked in. You can hear in “Age of Rage” as in much of their discography that they know exactly what they want to accomplish in each track. Jim lays down the foundation through the verses and chorus, letting loose with his solos but keeping the musical dynamic between the two constantly complementary.
“Raising your voice against any oppression will never be a bad idea, on the contrary, it is the most appropriate at any time and in the company of a song that will make any ear rumble we present with all the existing pleasure “Age of Rage” a composition that with the vocal strength of Ashley Cash and an instrumental by Jim Cash and Nik Hughes make up a work that apart from being impeccable, transmits us the best of energies with a powerful injection of rebellion, intensity and courage.
Not just any courage, but the greatest to fight our rights, our life, without a doubt we will become unstoppable with this great song by Waking Stone with which they debut their new album “Still Living in War”. In this theme we play with an emotion that emphasises empowerment, the struggle, the confrontation of obstacles in a fierce way, in the style of Hard Rock!
A warrior spirit will take hold of you as you tune in to “Age of Rage”!”
“USA’s Waking Stone are shaping up to be a real find and now they are back with ‘Age of Rage,’ an energetic piece of rock and roll with Ashley Cash’s powerful vocals belting out the words over some catchy rock grooves with a little bit of funk bounce.”
“Overall, the single is truly spectacular, and the vocals are sensational, displaying a boldness rarely found in today’s music.”
‘“Submersion” is an extraordinary track where the late 80’s and the early 90’s seem to meet somewhere in the middle of the ocean, submerging themselves underwater, and yet managing to stay perfectly modern. The band’s latest track is unlike anything today as it stays original, emotional, nostalgic, unique, and proves to create a blend of different influences while staying true to itself.”
READ THE FULL FEATURE Skope Magazine
“America’s Waking Stone continue to release new music ahead of their debut album (we think it’s going to be something different and killer judging by what we’ve heard so far.) This is ‘Submersion’ a piece that moves starts as light and mellow rock but grows into something a full blown rock out, mixing bright and upbeat ideas with dark and menacing tones, with Ashley Cash’s vocals adding a psych sound in contrast to Jim Cash’s lead vocals.
“Jim Cash’s powerful, distinctive, and dramatic vocals are complemented by the expressive and raucous contributions of his partner, Ashley Cash. The emotional atmosphere is captivating, ranging from feelings of overwhelm and rage to an inevitable climax, before returning to the submerged, underwater feel of the verse sections. The track features a hard rock chorus and a killer guitar solo, offering an unapologetic and slightly unhinged edge that adds to its dramatic allure.”
“Waking Stone has released their latest single, “Submersion.” One undeniable aspect is how they have built a sonic identity that follows its own path, full of little details here and there, with great energy. In this case, the song is a sonic immersion into the melancholic depths of the human psyche.”
“…the song allows vocalist Ashley Cash to absolutely soar. Her range and emotion are undeniable.”
Coyote Music
“Waking Stone releases their new single Homeland of the Free, a song that presents itself as a spiritual successor to Bruce Springsteen’s classic Born In The USA. With an energetic chorus and a sense of pride, the song dismantles the raw reality of many problems in an honest and ironic way.”
En Tijuana Hay Rock Blog
“America’s Waking Stone get ready to release debut album with ‘Homeland of The Free,’ a protest song drawing on the American protest traditions combining country and southern styles that both rocks hard while remaining catchy. And DAMN! that Ashley Cash can really sing!”
Loud Enough? Magazine
“I’d charge that on Waking Stone’s upcoming new single “Homeland,” they’ve got the right idea in the same way that The Boss chose to go about it with “Born In The USA” so long ago. There ARE a whole bunch of reasons to love the country for what it is – but shying away from its many faults would simply be cowardice. On “Homeland,” you’ll find Waking Stone unafraid to tackle the nittiest of gritty and get right into America’s many issues from a progressive point of view – and they’ve gone about it in a very similar way to Bruce’s classic cut in the sense that the majority of what they’re singing about will fly right over the heads of the masses…It’s truly clever songwriting…I’m not saying these tactics are necessarily new, but they’re proven to be effective whether people realize what they’re really listening to, or not. It’s a quality cut though, and one that speaks strongly on behalf of what Waking Stone stands for…and I think a great many of us stand with them, no matter which side of the imaginary borders we’ve scribbled on a map that we’re on.”
Jeremy, Sleeping Bag Studios
“Now the song seems like it’s a story that unfolds, revealing the rise and fall of a once-respected leader who’s now facing the consequences of his own actions. It’s about someone who’s lost their way, trapped by their own lies and the intoxicating taste of power.
At the core of this story is the idea of justice – the fact that it’s unavoidable and always comes to collect its due. The song reminds us that no matter how high you climb, there’s a higher power at play. And one that really hits well on the points of the pursuit of power for its own sake, a path that can leave you isolated with only the echoes of your wrongdoings for company. READ THE FULL ARTICLE
Scott, Author at FolknRock
“…the main asset of the single is the vocals. Ashley Cash stuns and completely mesmerizes with her voice, conveying emotional depth that knows no bounds. She compels us to imbibe the essence of the words and takes us on a soulful journey. On the other hand, Jim Cash, like a masterful artist, evokes subtle heartstrings through his sparkling guitar work (listen to the fuzzy intro which will attest to this fact!) and consciously crafted arrangement.” READ THE FULL FEATURE
Jukebox Mind
“Overall, ‘Wolves at Your Back’ is a highly creative and genre-defying listen that showcases the band’s innovative spirit, providing an exhilarating auditory adventure that pushes musical boundaries.” READ THE FULL REVIEW
Click Roll Boom
“…an intro of enigmatic psych that erupts into hard rock, riff driven, and energetic with expressive and powerful vocals from Ashley Cash helping to make this hypnotically catchy.”
Loud Enough? Magazine
“Still Living In War” Single Released March 29, 2024
Rocking Against the Tide: A Review of Waking Stone’s ‘Still Living in War’
“In essence, “Still Living in War” is more than just a song; it’s a rallying cry for a world weary of conflict. Waking Stone’s impassioned performance and thought-provoking lyrics make this track a standout when it comes to rock music, offering both a critique of society’s ills and a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow.”
XTTRAWAVE
“Written to explore and expose the current state of living in the USA. Still Living In War is a confronting yet catchy collection of anthems from the organic musical duo, and is being released single-by-single this year. The song Is It Too Late has already been signed up to feature on Women Of Substance Radio, and the title-track from the project effectively introduces the 10 tracks within on a bold and memorable high.” READ THE FULL FEATURE
Rebecca Cullen, Founder & Editor Stereo Stickman April 10, 2024
“Is It Too Late” Single Released March 1, 2024
Feature – Woman of Substance Radio Podcast – April 23, 2024
“Ashes to Ashes” Single Released January 26, 2024
“It’s a welcomed twist of musicianship, and when combined with the band’s clearly unique identity in everything from image to topic and structure, helps set in stone their recognisable and refreshing approach to modern music.” READ THE FULL FEATURE
Rebecca Cullen, Founder & Editor Stereo Stickman February 8, 2024
INDIE BASED – February 12, 2024
“But what really sets “Ashes to Ashes” apart is its balance between complexity and accessibility. Despite its conceptual depth, the repeating chorus of “Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust” brings everything back down to earth, making it a tune that’s easy for anyone to vibe with.” READ THE FULL FEATURE