The Deuce Project compose a hearty post-grunge mix on their Maverick debut,
Stone Cold. What's most impressive is the dynamic between childhood friends Noah Pierce and Josh McMillan, for the two of them create a lush pop sound slightly derivative of '70s soul and basically tweak what producer/songwriter Gregg Alexander did with
the New Radicals in the late '90s. It's a big production in the sense that each song is rich in harmony and carefully structured to individually stand alone.
Stone Cold is not just a rock album and it's not an obvious pop album; it's a good album reflective of both genres and music fans following the adult alternative run of
Michelle Branch and
Matchbox Twenty will find it enjoyable. Those indie rockers who like a little
Rufus Wainwright could also find a small place in their record collection to add the bright sounds of the Deuce Project. String arrangements dance with the Deuce Project's twin-guitar work, most notably on the shiny title track and "Starting All Over." "Without You Both" and "Life Goes On" are bittersweet love songs, but the album's overall warm tone takes over.
The Deuce Project haven't done anything remarkably different by mainstream standards, but their honesty on
Stone Cold shows their potential as songwriters and musicians. ~ MacKenzie Wilson