Hi-Stone Social – Catholic Girls (Single Review)

Today’s review features returning artist Hi-Stone Social and their single Catholic Girls.

Hi-Stone Social is the brainchild and studio project of Don Kushon, who was influenced by the sounds of rural Appalachia in his early youth and now lives and works in Philadelphia, PA, USA. Hi-Stone Social is known for their retro rock revolution style, which at times crosses over from rock to pop, from blues to even spoken word. The core band consists of Kushon on lead vocals and guitar, Paul Shannon on lead guitar, Frank Innamorato on drums, and JT on bass.

According to Kushon, “Catholic Girls tells a story about attraction and the struggle to overcome obstacles.” This single was co-produced by Mark J Montoro and Kushon. It was recorded and engineered by Montoro at Philly JAM Recording in Philadelphia, and mastered by Pete Humphreys at Masterwork.

So let’s have a listen …

Right off the bat, I love the sound of the stuttering electric guitar and cool blues/R&B style riff. This is a song about being in love with a Catholic Girl. I think the vocals could be mixed better: fatter, more present, less reverb, more out front. Also, I’m not digging the lyrics. The song is full of negative stereotypes about Catholic Girls – the whole “got me girl waiting much too long” classic. Not enjoying the “too long, too long, too long” repeats; pretty cheesy. But I am digging the electric guitar solo starting at 1:33, very tasty.

“She was in love with someone above; there was no room for me within.” The stereotypes are rampant. Digging the guitar solo at 3:20, although I think this time it goes on a bit too long before the song heads back into the vocals. “Catholic girls keep your rosary.” Your rosary, your rosary, your rosary.” More stereotypes. Ug. The song ends with “what’s 5 and 3, will you marry me.” Almost out of left field. Did not see that coming.

I thought, musically, it’s a nice tune. Has a Stones type R&B/rock feel. And the guitars are dialled in nicely. The band is rocking.

On the other hand, I think the lyrics and the vocal mix need a lot of work. The cliches and bad puns are rampant.

Score/Mediocre to Good: Hi-Stone Social’s new single “Catholic Girls” is full of very nice instrumental performances and production. However, the overtly stereotypical lyrics and poor vocal mix leave much to be desired. I can see folks dancing to this groove, so that’s good. Much love, Beth

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