Stone Blind State – Stone Blind State (2026)
Ireland has produced many notable rock musicians over the years. U2, Thin Lizzy and Snow Patrol spring to mind. You can add duo Stone Blind State to that list, who have released their self-titled debut album, which is a fantastic mix of rip-roaring heavy rock and softer acoustic numbers. The duo consists of founding member and guitarist Mick McDonagh and vocalist Martin Furlong.
The album starts strong with ‘Electric Lady’, an angst-ridden track full of attitude that packs a punch. It is a mixture of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child’ and The Osmonds ‘Crazy Horses!’ It is a great rocker that has already had a fantastic response; the music video has racked up an impressive 38,000 views on YouTube. What I like about this album is how the mood shifts, and the second track, ‘Wake Up’, is a much gentler number.
The acoustic and electric guitars are working in harmony on this one. The mood remains the same on the James-esque ‘There She Goes’, which appears to be a nice homage to 90’s rock. The middle eight section is lovely: “Well I could fall from grace / When I could see your face / If I could leave this place / Then I would fall from grace”. There’s a nice ending to the track, with a simple drumbeat provided by Brendan McCarthy.
There is a fabulous energy to Stone Blind State’s heavier tracks, and this is evident on ‘Monotramp’. Martin Furlong explains the track, “’Monotramp’ is about asking someone what it is that you see in me that I can’t. Finding that weakness in the armour of bravado”. It’s a moody rock track with Foo Fighters vibes. Mick McDonagh’s guitar playing is particularly powerful on ‘Red Sky’, a song about a toxic couple, both feeding off each other’s negativity and pushing each other in ways that aren’t to either party’s benefit.
One of the strongest on this collection is the gorgeous acoustic track ‘Gravitate’. You can hear shades of Noel Gallagher and Chris Cornell. The almost whale-like sounds create an atmospheric effect. There are reflective lyrics to be found, such as “And how she’s stayed I don’t know / When you’re so far away that time moves so slow”. ‘Stain’ is another hard-rock track with attitude, with layered guitars working majestically. Furlong describes this one as “a love song that’s all wrapped up in aggressive rock guitars”. ‘Rocket Girl’ could’ve been taken straight off ZZ Top’s Eliminator!
Another highlight on this album is ‘Stay With Me’, where the sound is more contemporary; for the verses, at least, the chorus turns heavier and becomes pure 90’s grunge. ‘Payphone’ is another brilliant track and is a struggle between heaven and hell. It has more layered guitars and rolling drums, and the sirens work to great effect. “God’s on the payphone / Do you take it or leave it / You got what you paid for / Now don’t believe it / The devil is calling for you to see them / To say you got a debt to pay” proclaims the chorus.
The album winds down with the gentler rock track ‘You And I’, which would sound great for radio and the sweet acoustic track ‘Empty.’
Stone Blind State’s debut is pouring with headbangers alongside softer rock tracks, so there is something for everyone here to enjoy from this Celtic duo!
Learn more about Stone Blind State on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify and TikTok.
This artist was sent to us by Old Crows Promotions
