Hi-Stone Social – Night Moth (Single Review)

Today’s review features Hi-Stone Social and their new single “Night Moth.”

The boys are back with a new single. My last review of this band rated their last single “Vamp” excellent. You can read that review here.

As noted in my last review, Hi-Stone Social is a studio music project centered on original songs by Don Kushon. The genres include rock, pop, folk rock, blues and spoken word, all delivered with a retro feel. The core band on this self-titled album consists of Kushon on lead vocals, guitar, harmonica and ukulele, Paul Shannon on lead guitar and backing vocals, Frank Innamorato on drums and JT on bass. Other session musicians on this single include Joe Paglia on keyboard and Carolyn Kantor on backing vocals.

This single was co-produced by Montoro and Kushon. It was recorded and engineered by Montoro at Philly JAM Recording in Philadelphia, PA, USA, and mastered by Pete Humphreys at Masterwork. Artwork was designed by Patrick King.

Night Moth explores the wistful state of mind concerning the possibility of love and connection in life’s fleeting moments. Kushon’s vocals are influenced by growing up in the foothills of Appalachia and then relocating to the deeply layered musical ecosystem of Philadelphia.

So let’s have a listen …

The song starts strong with a syncopated vocal over a ukulele strumming. Then at 00:18 into the song, the full band drops in. A very bluesy swing song. The song is about a Night Moth (the singer) drawn to the fire of a young girl. The song is very well constructed and has a nice repeating hook (“too long”). And a lovely electric guitar solo in the middle. Nothing fancy, simple, but very effective. It’s been “too long” through a litany of trials and tribulations. I love how the male vocalist goes to his higher register towards the end of the song. Very tasteful, engaging, and compelling.

I love this song. The musical performances are excellent, as is the production. The song is very catchy and is replete with nice ear hooks.

SCORE/Outstanding: Hi-Stone Social delivers another very strong song and performance with their new single, Night Moth. A bit of a throwback with excellent songwriting, performances, and top-flight production. This song will captivate your eardrums. And that’s what it’s all about. Much love, Beth

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]