There are bands we hear, and then there are bands we experience. Stone Sea clearly belongs to the second group. Formed in Brazil, reshaped in Ireland, and now expanding from Spain, this trio embodies a sense of movement in their music. Their sound feels as if it has traveled, absorbing different climates, languages, and feelings. With “Ad Astra,” released in January this year, Stone Sea invites us into a heavy, hypnotic world where groove meets introspection and melody combines with weight.
“Ad Astra” isn’t just a collection of unrelated tracks; it’s a unified expression. It unfolds slowly, prioritizing atmosphere and dynamic contrast over quick hits. Drawing from alternative rock, stoner, grunge, and heavy psychedelic influences, the EP feels grounded and expansive, rooted in human struggle while continually looking upward. This is music for those who appreciate albums as whole pieces—where sequencing, mood, and thematic continuity hold as much importance as individual songs. Stay with me as I dig deeply into each track.
The opening track, “Stain,” establishes the emotional and philosophical tone of the EP. The lyrics delve into inner conflict and existential tension, posing fundamental questions about identity and duality. Lines like “Frozen body, burning soul. Where’s the bridge that links them both?” and “Love and pain. Are nothing but the same stain” frame the song as a reflection on the human experience caught between physical limits and emotional intensity. Elvis delivers the vocals with intimacy and control, allowing the weight of the words to hit hard. The performance feels intentionally restrained, drawing you inward instead of overwhelming you. The production balances atmospheric textures and layered guitars that create a vast and confined space. It’s meditative yet urgent—a quiet confrontation with painful ties and the longing for release through art.
Raw, vulnerable, and quietly defiant, “Time To Change” captures that moment when stagnation becomes unbearable. Lyrics like “I never wanted to be a hero. My only wish is become zero” and “I never dream free from these ties. Away from you, away from lies” expresses exhaustion with imposed identities and false stories. The vocal delivery here is sincere and urgent, especially on the repeated refrain “It’s time to change,” which feels more like a confession than a slogan. Instrumentally, moody synths and atmospheric layers intertwine with driving percussion, reinforcing the tension between being stuck and taking action. The arrangement is carefully done, allowing emotional peaks to arise naturally without losing subtlety.
One of the EP’s most intense emotional statements, “Age of Tears,” addresses suppressed anger, decay, and self-reflection. Lines like “Chase, don’t let it go. “Warp before erodes” and “Wake your mild rage.” “Fake your sleeping stage” hints at an internal struggle between denial and awakening. Elvis’s vocals blend vulnerability with controlled aggression, reflecting the song’s thematic conflicts. The phrasing is subtle, letting some lines simmer rather than burst. Sonically, the production layers drenched guitars and sharp percussion, creating a cinematic and heavy atmosphere. This is a track that dwells in discomfort, refusing to resolve too easily.
“Alien” shifts the focus to isolation in the digital era, capturing the emotional disconnection of modern life. With lines like “Cross-fading my emotions. In the display of life” and “Plastic reality.” Filling the voids I need,” the trio describes a world where authenticity flickers behind screens and constructed identities. The vocal performance is intimate and precise, on lines such as “Time slipped through my hands. Sun is warming my skin as I wane,” which feels almost confessional. Musically, shimmering synth textures and layered electronic percussion create a sense of movement and instability, reflecting the emotional chaos of the lyrics. The result is immersive and quietly haunting.
A thoughtful pause in the EP, “Left To Be,” explores fear, acceptance, and the delicate process of letting go. The line “If you feel there’s nothing left to be. Shouldn’t you just feel free?” cuts gently yet deeply, presenting freedom as an invitation and a risk. The vocals are offered with restraint and tenderness, drawing you into the song’s inner dialogue. The instrumentation stays minimal and atmospheric, allowing room for reflection. It feels like drifting through uncertainty, searching for resolution without forcing it.
The title track, “Ad Astra,” acts as the EP’s philosophical and emotional high point. The lyrics reflect on mortality, resilience, and transcendence, with lines like “To the journey of life.” To the place I’ll die” and “We all share the same end. To the stars we transcend.” The imagery of “a self-inflicted flower. Has its roots so dour” captures the tension between suffering and growth that runs throughout the EP. Vocally, the performance is emotive and layered, balancing sadness with moments of clarity and strength. The production permits the track to breathe, allowing emotional depth to resonate long after the final note fades.
Throughout “Ad Astra,” the production emphasizes weight, space, and patience. Instead of pursuing excess or volume, Stone Sea allows its songs to unfold naturally. Groove-driven riffs coexist with drone-inspired sections, layered vocal harmonies, and meditative interludes. Every element feels intentional, supporting the emotional journey without vying for attention. The band lineup is lean and focused: Pino Lopez on bass, providing thick, grounding grooves; Elvis Suhadolnik Bonesso on vocals and guitars, shaping the emotional and harmonic center; Gonzalo Rubio on drums, offering restraint, tension, and release with controlled strength. Together, they create a sound that breathes, never overcrowded or excessive.
“Ad Astra” is a carefully crafted work. It’s an EP that rewards patience, attention, and emotional openness. Stone Sea doesn’t seek catharsis through excess; instead, they allow heaviness, silence, and melody to coexist in thoughtful balance. The production prioritizes space over saturation, groove over spectacle, and continuity over fragmentation. If you value albums as complete narratives rather than mere collections of singles, “Ad Astra” provides a rare and enriching experience. It is a record about becoming, about shedding, enduring, and reaching outward, even when the weight feels unbearable. Stone Sea may have crossed continents to arrive here, but with “Ad Astra,” they sound exactly where they’re meant to be.
Listen to the “Ad Astra” EP on Spotify or SoundCloud
https://open.spotify.com/album/6TznlgH4t3Ax6qwdj7sVdZ?si=IiZNbI5pQDiCLg6WdAf5Xw
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