Way, way back in yesteryear, when Gigatracks was nothing more than a glimmer in my eye (that’s 2003, for you newbies) we were compiling a roster of artists to include in our initial launch of the site. No one knew who we were, so we had to work extra hard to convince them to let us put a track on our site. One of these bands that allowed us the pleasure was Stereoside, although at that time they were called 60 Cycle Hum. So we have something of a soft spot for these guys. Needless to say, I was definitely down for reviewing ‘Wake Up’ when they contacted me to find out if I was interested.

Now I liked ‘20 Pieces’, the track which we featured from them to begin with. If I didn’t, it would not have been on the site. But these guys have done some serious improvement over these last few years. Even ‘20 Pieces’, which shows up on the album, got a major reworking. I would easily put ‘Wake Up’ against anything you hear on modern rock radio. Bands like Seether and Chevelle are selling a bajillion albums, and if there is any justice in this world, it won’t be long before Stereoside is right along side of them.

So here’s what you can expect. You aren’t going to get any groundbreaking new sounds on this release. But you are going to get a band that’s rock-solid tight, that write a great sing-along chorus (or shout along, if you prefer). Their sound is huge, polished and radio-ready. And let me tell you, the hooks don’t get much bigger than this. This album is will make you want to roll the windows down on your ride and let the neighbors hear it in all of it’s ear-splitting glory.

Stereoside comes out of the gate full force with the title track, which is one of the strongest tracks on the album. Other highlights for me were ‘Fade Away’, ‘Another Letter’, and my particular favorite, ‘What I Need’, which features the killer lyric “What I needed was a little less saving”. I really don’t have any any complaints about any of the songs, which is rare for me. I think every single one is good, however those three are absolutely outstanding. I’d hate to have to try to pick the singles though, because just about every track could be one.

Now for a footnote. Gigatracks got named-checked in the thanks you’s, which was a first for us. That, my friends, kicks much ass. So I have to take a moment and publicly thank the band for that. Here’s a note to bands in the future. Want a good Gigatracks review? Put us in the Thank You’s. Oh yeah, and pack the album full of top-notch tracks. That doesn’t hurt either.

So anyway, pick up Stereoside’s ‘Wake Up’. I can definitely say that this release is going to make my “Best Of” list for this year. If you like your rock to, you know, ROCK, then do yourself a favor and grab this release right now!