High-Stone Social – Special Key (Single Review)

The multi-genre music project releases an original rock song that deals with the conflicted feelings throughout a relationship breakdown and subsequent makeup.

Hi-Stone Social is a studio music project put together by an ensemble of talented performers: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Don Kushon, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Paul Shannon, drummer Frank Innamorato and bassist JT. Based in Philadelphia, the group releases songs written by singer Kushon, which experiment with a wide variety of genres such as rock, pop, folk, blues and spoken word, all with an overarching retro vibe.

The single ‘Special Key’ arrived in December 2024 after multiple single releases starting in mid 2024, all dabbling in different sounds and themes. Dealing with the up and down rollercoaster ride of emotions that arise while navigating a rough patch in a relationship, ‘Special Key’ is at once upbeat and sprinkled with equal parts hopeful and regretful lyrics. Ultimately, though, audiences will delight in its easy listening qualities and may find plenty of relatable sentiment within the song’s colourful lyrics.

The song begins with a lively combination of Innamorato’s drums, JT’s bass and Kushon’s rhythm guitar before the singer’s energetic vocals burst onto the track, in turn immediately encouraging listeners to get up and dance to the song’s infectious retro rhythms. Having grown up in Appalachia before moving to Philadelphia, Kushon’s vocals here are influenced by this journey, from the folk and ballad tradition of his hometown to the jazz and blues of Philadelphia. This stylistic choice for the vocals definitely goes a long way in guaranteeing ‘Special Key’ a classic rock sound, which is carried off seamlessly by the musicians’ carefree and uplifting deliveries. This also must be credited to the work of co-producer Mark J Montoro, who worked with Kushon to record and engineer the track at Philly JAM Recording, and Pete Humphreys, who mastered the track at Masterwork. It’s clear even right from the beginning of the track that a careful and professional touch has gone into fashioning this sound that has now become recognisable for Hi-Stone Social. This is just a testament to how enjoyable this listening experience is.

Kushon’s lyrics at once allude to a need to find the “special key” to help repair the fractures between two quarrelling lovers (“gonna make it all better in any kind of rain or stormy weather”). The bridge, however, seems to reflect the turning point described in the lyrics, as drums, bass and guitar kick up a notch to frame the relatable lyrics that speak of a confidence that there is still potential to rekindle this relationship (“This kinda hope is making me feel better”). The song’s swinging chorus is equally upbeat and bouncy with a breezy melody that is bolstered by backing vocalist Shannon, even while Kushon’s lyrics lament the lead-up to the breakup (“Wasted days, wasted nights, wasted love…”). This lyrical back and forth clearly displays the ups and downs so many experience in romantic relationships, allowing audiences to bop along while still connecting with the reality of its message.

After the chorus comes the first of three suave guitar solos by Paul Shannon that really add a vibrant note to the track that will keep listeners dancing and rocking out to the song’s already sunny soundscape. Drummer Innamorato and bassist JT also do a lot to maintain the energy throughout the track, especially when transitioning from Shannon’s attention grabbing solo back to the relative calm of Kushon’s verse. To boost replayability, the lyrics repeat across the second verse and chorus; easily sticking in listeners’ minds and ensuring that they can quickly sing along to the track’s easy melodies.

Following a final exultant chorus in which Kushon and Shannon’s vocals reach a fever pitch, Shannon’s talent shines through his final guitar solo that takes centre stage and gradually fades out with the rest of the track. It’s a suitably satisfying way to finish a track that will keep audiences bopping until the very end.

Score/Excellent: It’s clear that through the Hi-Stone Social project, Kushon has discovered the perfect medium through which to put out and celebrate his songs. From the impressive production, down to the memorable lyrics and the track’s uplifting execution, ‘Special Key’ will attract listeners from all walks of life who just want to have a good time with remarkably made music.

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