Stone Mary @ Hunter's - Live Review - Apr 5/12

I couldn’t contain my excitement for the Stone Mary show at Hunter’s Ale House on Thursday night.  I have enjoyed attending their shows for years in Halifax, and this is the first time I was finally able to come out and support them in Charlottetown.

There was already a good crowd in the bar come the time that first opening band, Old Blood, made it to the stage.  Their show was loud and in your face however not too overpowering, which was great to hear.  They had me up dancing from the beginning of their set right to the end.  Next up was Shelter with Thieves, who were clearly a crowd favourite.   Their music was intense and full of energy, which most certainly brought over a crowd.  I think it was the first time I actually witnessed everyone standing to the back of the dance floor while a group of people formed a mosh pit.  It was honestly awesome to see, as it has been so long since I’ve attended a hard rock show that I missed watching the energy and love that the crowd had for the bands.

Last on stage was Halifax band Stone Mary, whose band members were mostly from Prince Edward Island originally, which I came to learn that night.  The dynamic that the band has is unbelievable; it’s very obvious that these guys have been playing together for a while and are like a family.  The crowd was incredibly receptive to the hard rock n roll music that was belted out and by Christine Campbell’s incredibly strong powerhouse vocals.  She definitely rocks harder than any woman I have ever met on the East Coast, which I completely love!  The reaction from the people I had taken with me that night was fantastic as well; every last one of them were completely blown away by the band, from the vocals, to the song choice, to the solos!

“You know, sometimes I get so frustrated because chicks aren't pursuing certain rock aspects of music and I know chicks are capable of anything,” Christine points out about being one of not very many East Coast female rockers.  “At the same time it’s kind of fun too because it helps me build a name for myself.  It’s frustrating and cool at the same time because it helps me be an individual but at the same time helps more chicks not give in so much to the intimidation from the male-dominated genre and pursue things like rock and roll!”

As for what she thought about the night? “Hunter’s is always awesome,” she says.  “I love PEI so much because I’m from here and all my friends are hardcore rockers, so every time I come home they all come out and cheer me on, it’s wicked!”

I definitely hope to see Stone Mary back to our red rock soon!  Until then, if you’re in Moncton be sure to check them out at the Molson Late Night Stage on Friday, April 13th alongside Dominique Dupris, Three Sheet, Slowcoaster, Carmen Townsend, and Death Valley Driver.  Guaranteed you will not be disappointed with this showcase event!