Hi-Stone Social – Waterfall (Single Review)

Hi-Stone Social is now back with a brand-new single called “Waterfall.” The project is fronted by Don Kushon, who lends his vocals and his musicianship on the acoustic guitar to the track. Rounding out the rest of the track are Frank Innamorato on drums and JT on bass. In addition, Carolyn Kantor is featured on Native American flute and backing vocals, Lisa Egle on percussion, and Ryann Lynch on violin.

This track is a departure from the usually bluesy rock fare the band is known for. Here, the track opens up right away with the sound of acoustic guitar, strings, and flute. The band notes that they specifically used the Native American flute here. This was a great addition and added some interesting flavors throughout. This was a slow-burning track that takes its time to evolve. As Kushon softly coos and croons on this song, the melody slowly builds momentum until the flute solo on the 1:59 mark.

Lyrically, this track has some interesting details. It seems the protagonist is having a conversation with a dog in the wide-open glory of the wilderness. Kushon sings: “A high-pitched yelp…Chasing rabbits in your dreams/Like you used to/The sky opens up/I fall inside/The sky opens up/I fall inside/You’ll always be my sweet girl/You’ll always be my babe/It’s okay if it’s time to go/I wish it weren’t that way.” Then finally these last few lines: “You’ll always be my sweet girl/Running fast and free. You’ll be my special one/Keep running/Keeping running/Keep running/You’re free.”

Production-wise, I thought the mixing and general quality of the recording was excellent. The track includes several amazing instrumentations, including the strings, flute and even some scattered bongos, while the high-quality production really highlighted these instruments well. I’d also like to add that the execution of the acoustic guitar was also fantastic. Though this was a rather quiet track, I think the swelling of the orchestra arrangements made it even more dynamic. 

I liked how, rather than repeat the same formula again and again, the band is willing to experiment with their sound. Here, instead of a regular love song, this single follows the protagonist and his friendship with his dog. Because of this friendship, listeners get the chance to experience a new perspective that is very different from what we usually see out there.

Rather than follow trends and fads, the band is really trying to forge their own route, and I find this very commendable and exciting.

SCORE/Excellent: Hi-Stone Social does a wonderful job here. The addition of the Native American flute as well as the violin added a searing detail to the overall sound. Coming from the perspective of a protagonist who loves his dog, this song offers a brand-new take that I’d never seen before. I greatly enjoyed every second of this ballad, which definitely showed a different side to the band. The group strongly demonstrates their versatility with this song. I can tell that this is only the start for many more exciting things for Hi-Stone Social. Looking forward to hearing more great things from them!

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