12 Stones

12 Stones chose the shortest distance between young Louisiana garage bands and innovative musicians who didn't wait for the record deal to find them; instead, they went to the record deal. After only a handful of hometown gigs, they hit the industry circuit in N.Y.C., where they were easily distinguished as capable and influential, with their advanced modern rock and deep southern rock derivations. 12 Stones smolder with aggressive vocals, consecrated lyrics, and hefty melodies. Accomplishing all this before their second album, when most of them were still below drinking age, one wonders what's left for them to grow into.