Combining classic, blues-based rock ‘n’ roll with an appetite for innovation, Cinema Stereo is an ambitious trio who are seemingly reviving the spirit of rock greats in 2022.
Cinema Stereo is the brainchild of Ian Rayha (Lead Vocals/Bass/Synths) and Sebastian Borysek (Lead Guitar), who started writing music for the band in October 2019. Having searched for a drummer for over a year, the duo eventually added Luke Pate to the line-up. Thus, the band was born.
To anyone saying, “rock is dead”, you probably aren’t looking in the right places. If you’re seeking the next wave of rock brilliance, this is the album you’ve been waiting for. With the release of their debut album, it’s clear to see where they got some of their inspiration. Even though a new band to many, there’s a feeling of familiarity and déjà vu while listening to this rock trio. Their classic style of rock spans the likes of Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Doors, and Rush, among others.
Cinema Stereo’s ‘70s and ‘80s musical influences shine through this record like the midday sun but effectively offer a new, updated, modern rock sound. Take the opening track, ‘Good Old Days’, an explosive and hard-rock intro that is a nostalgia trip for how life used to be with lyrics such as “take me back” and “nothing seems to be going my way.”
The eight songs on Cinema Stereo take a deep dive into the mind of a lost but ambitious young adult who’s simply trying to navigate their way through each day, one day at a time. Represented through multiple rock styles, some melancholic and others head-bang worthy, the driving force is the lyricism – which is at an all-time symbolic and emotional high here. ‘No More’, takes this formula and runs with it. With the words “No more, no more // not gonna take it, had enough of you,” ringing out, there is a hint at some of Rayha’s struggles, and despite the upbeat feeling of most of the songs, there is an underlying theme of gloom and heartbreak present not only here, but in every song throughout the record.
As confident visionaries, Cinema Stereo is greatly influenced by setting themselves apart from those before them. While drawing inspiration from their desire to invoke a passion in others through music, they seem to have an unwavering ability to positively influence the world and connect with like-minded individuals through blues-rock.
Born during the pandemic, it’s easy to get the vibe that this trio spent a lot of time inside writing and jamming together, as they have an innate ability to impressively present music in multiple styles, all while vocalising consistent themes of love and freedom. Their style is more experimental rock, and those numerous styles add to Cinema Stereo’s sense of originality. Beginning like an old-school but no less excellent Queen ballad, ‘Lady in Red, Pt. I’, is a song that gradually builds with acoustic guitars and synthesisers but switches styles as it nears the end, bringing with it a new heavy rock feel with electric guitars and drums as it nears the climax. With lyrics that evoke loneliness, “can you come over tonight // I already miss you,” the heartbreak theme is still present here.
To hype up for the album release, the Florida-based trio released their first single, ‘No One Needs Your Love (Like I Do)’, last year, and it’s clear why this song was picked out as being single-worthy. From romantic lyrics to an infectious rhythm, this track is a real stand-out for many reasons. Romance is a prominent theme throughout the album, and coupled with raw emotion and emotive singing power; you get an idea how rough the past couple of years must have been for these guys.
With vocals like “I wanna be your man” and “I’d never forgive myself if I lied to you,” the notion of loneliness and guilt peaks. This number also features some supremely technical guitar solos; Sebastian Borysek’s staccato guitar licks are jaw-dropping; all thanks to his masterful riff work on each of the eight songs. ‘Ride This Thing Out’ features similarly impressive electric guitar solos. This track makes for perfect stadium rock; kicking off with Rayha’s bright and layered synthesisers before breaking into the verse and then a chorus that packs a punch. The same reminiscent feeling returns with the words “Why can’t we go back” echoing throughout. This could be interpreted as Rayha thinking back to memories in a pre-covid era or back even further to the ‘glory days’ of rock in the ‘70s and ‘80s, long before he was born.
‘Lady in Red, Pt II’ is a sequel song in stark contrast to ‘Lady in Red, Pt I’. This well-produced track is much more upbeat and optimistic, beginning with a snappy riff and leading into a heavy pre-chorus you’re hit with the words; “Even though I act like a fool // doesn’t mean I won’t know how to love you.”
Every LP has its highlights, and for Cinema Stereo’s debut album, ‘The Wine Song’ is it. Initially sounding reminiscent of the first few opening bars of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Moby Dick’, this track has everything from insane high notes to epic drum solos. Speaking of the drums, it should be noted that Pate’s proficiency and skill behind the kit is shown in spades across their variety of songs here. His drum solo in this song is spectacular, which you aren’t often treated to in modern rock songs nowadays.
At the forefront, however, are Rayha’s excellent vocals. While he can belt out high notes seemingly effortlessly, Rayha adds bags of charisma to each song through his captivating vocal tone. His control over his vocal range and ability to project such a powerful voice is impressive, and to do that while playing the bass guitar is even more so.
The final track, ‘Better Times’, is light and bluesy, offering a cheery feel that leaves a lingering sense of optimism that proved to be the best choice to end the album. Still, it also brings together the wishful themes that have been explored in previous tracks, from “Listen, God, I ain’t got nothing left // I went and gave it all away,” to “I know there’ll be some better times ahead,” it almost makes you want to join him on his new journey to a better future. The song’s message acts as a constant reminder that despite all adversity in the modern era, change is possible.
This album has no misses, and no songs that you’re likely to skip on your playlist. They are all extremely easy to listen to and even dance to. Cinema Stereo’s powerhouse combination of musicianship and showmanship enables them to keep the spirit of the rock ‘n’ roll greats alive in 2022. These factors make this band one to keep an eye out for.
Words by Kristian Bayford
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