FULL STACK: Venus

Full Stack

Venus

© 2006 Full Stack (789577518421)

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Full-on, riff-infested, tube-driven, straight up guitar rock.

notes

Like the name suggests, Full Stack doesn't play half-hearted music. They play full-on, riff-infested, straight up guitar rock reminiscent of the bands Full Stack members love--AC/DC, Van Halen,Velvet Revolver and Alice in Chains. But they're not content to write songs solely for those who worship at the temple of shred. Full Stack takes as much care with vocal harmonies and melodies as they do to ripping guitar solos and thunderous rhythms.

John Funk (lead vocals, guitar) Besides his voice, John Funk's fawn Marshall amps and cabinets are an integral part of Full Stack's sound. John cut his teeth with Sinister Grin and 57 Stitch - two Minneapolis-based original hard rock outfits. John counts UFO/MSG guitarist Michael Schenker as one of his many influences. He's also played and recorded for many years with bassist Billy Hipps.

Brandt Williams (guitar, vocals) Brandt decided that he wanted to play guitar at the age of 12. His older brother brought home two albums that changed his life: Van Halen I and AC/DC's Back in Black.
"Over the years I've been influenced by a lot of players: EVH, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nuno Bettencourt, Jimi Hendrix, John Frusciante, but I've only ever really wanted to sound like Angus Young," says Brandt. "Obviously, that never happened."

Billy Hipps (bass, vocals) "Billy like thump and whump," says the four string slinger of Full Stack. Billy's bladder-loosening, big-ass bass sound is thanks to Kustom, SWR, Ashdown, Gibson, Fender and S.I.T. His playing style has evolved due to steady doses of Talas, King's X, Spinal Tap, caffeine and Ritalin.

Paul "The Rog" Rogne (drums) Paul developed a huge drum sound as a tribute to some of his favorite drummers: Frankie Banali, Bobby Blotzer, Bobby Rondinelli, Tommy Aldridge and John Blackwell. Paul has provided the smashing percussion for Hatecrime, Malicious Intent, Domain, Sweet Cheater, Blind Side, & Jealous. He has also recorded and performed with various bands and players. He abuses RDH Drumz, Ludwig and Pearl and DW Snares, DW hardware, Gibraltar Hardware, Paiste Cymbals, Wuhan china's, EFX cymbals and gongs.

reviews

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  • Full Stack-Thunderous, mind-blowing rock and roll band!
    author: ACDCJen from FatCat Radio.

    Having "discovered" that Full Stack existed about a year ago, I have to say that they get better and better each time I listen to them. They have been huge supporters of mine with my internet radio show and station, and that is something that I will never forget. This album will always be special to me because it is the first ever, and probably last, in which I am thanked by the band. I will never forget that, so this album means even more to me than it already did. So, I had been anxiously awaiting the release of their CD which I came to discover was called "Venus". It is described as an album about women, living on the edge and real RAWK music. I could not agree more! These guys have always known how to rock my ass off and this CD did just that and more. Run With Me is the first song and it's an excellent song to start with as the tempo and volume changes work so well within the song. It gives you an idea of what the rest of the album is going to be like. With that said, you are still blown away with the other 9 songs after it. Echoes Stir utilizes that exact "echo" effect, which is noticible at the beginning of the song, but it's not over the top. The mark of a good band is if they know how to use what they have without abusing it, and these guys never overdo it. Yeah, they are loud, but that's the way rock should be. However, they have the talent, ability and range to play as hard and heavy or not, as they choose to. The riff in Echoes is reminiscent of the good ole' days of rock when the guitar meant something and it just gets into your head and never leaves. The version of Venus on this album is the "revamped" version from the one I originally heard. It still has the kick ass drum riff underneath it all, which is why I love it so much. Yet another great example of a fat, heavy guitar riff that is all over this album. When Breathe first starts, you are lulled into thinking it's going to be a slower, more down tempo song, but about 1:30 into it, you are hit square in the face with a fat sound and evil vocals. The different starts and stops in this song makes you wonder how in the world it can be the same song, but it's great and I love it when things are not what you expect. By this point in the album, you begin to realize that Full Stack lives up to their name. I can only imagine how hard, heavy and throbbing a concert of theirs is like! Along the Way showcases what talent these guys have with the lead and backing vocals playing off each other so well, as do the guitar sounds. On the Rise feels like a foray into Southern Rock with the groove and the guitar sound and this just shows the range Full Stack has. The song then goes into a down and bluesy riff, which in additon to the gritty vocals, makes this song sound almost sexual. Hmmm. Was this what they were going for? :) By the time As Good As it Gets rolls around, that is definitely what is on my mind. This tune is just a good driving rock song with an awesome bass riff underneath it all. I had to listen to it again so I didn't get cold! The guitar at the opening of Evil is just up my "alley" and the sound of it is perfect for a song called Evil. Another great bass sound, which I am always partial to. Fantastic guitar solo which is highlighted even more so with the driving bass line. It sounds like a touch of evil. Strip it Away is another example of that gutteral bass/guitar sound that has been so prevelant through most of the album. It gets under your skin and into your head and makes you want to listen again and again. The album ends with Heavy Wings which is quite a departure from the rest of the album. It shows that these guys, who can rock your ass off, can also pare down and get back to their roots. A definite highlight on the vocals and a nice way to end a terrific album. There are many things that I like about Full Stack. The first is that the band is tight. They know how to play and they do it right. From the dirty vocals to the thundering bass line and guitars, all of it just fits together perfectly. I've always appreciated the fact that all four mesh together, with noone overpowering anyone else. Let me tell you, as someone who has sampled a lot of music, that is extremely important. The production on this entire album is top notch. I also appreciate the fact that the lyrics actually mean something and aren't just put in a particular spot because it "fits". These guys have something to say, and whether it's about being evil or giving in to temptation. "Venus" showcases this ten times over. From the pounding rock of Along the Way, to the sensual bluesiness of On the Rise and the rootsier Heavy Wings, "Venus" literally has it all. Each and every track stands alone in it's own right, but when you put all 10 of them together, you have something that is extremely special, a joy to listen to over and over and definitely worth the wait! Go out and get it now. Better yet, tell all your friends to and make these guys as big as their sound and as they deserve to be. ACDCJen of FatCat Radio (The Dark Alley and Indigo Lounge) fatcatradio.com

  • This CD RAWKS!
    author: Noël

    No two ways about it, this CD friggin' RAWKS! Blows me away everytime I listen to it. Awesome guitar solos, great vocals and harmonies. This band is tight. Best new rock CD I've purchased in years!

  • No half stack here....
    author: Swede from FatCat Radio

    Whoa. Whoaaaaaa!! Those are the 1st words that come to mind when listening to Venus. The disc is stuffed full of enough big fat riffs (and killer guitar tones) to satisfy the RAWK fan --- with vocals/melodies/intelligent lyrics to satisfy the most discriminating listener. Stand out tracks include 'Evil', 'Venus', & 'Along The Way'. Venus by Full Stack is an easy recommendation. Pick it up - you wont be disappointed. One Angry Swede, Founder of FatCat Radio www.fatcatradio.com

  • Guitar Rock Is Back
    author: Dave Chinzowski

    I'm so tired of the whiney emo bands...this is real guitar rock and I'm lovin' it. I bought two copies!

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