Photo Credit: Press
Words: Sophie Thompson

Two years after their debut album ‘Fear Life for a Lifetime‘ the Liverpool quartet have returned with their sophomore record which is louder, sharper and far more musically assured.

Hailing from Liverpool a city rich in music history and especially guitar bands they wear their influences and Liverpool roots with pride to deliver an album which steals your attention from the very first beat. 

Opening the album is the title track ‘Autonomy’ immediately sets the tone with anthemic indie choruses. It is indie rock made to be met with open arms and rowdy crowds. The album echo’s the level of urgency of Wunderhorse’ Midas but with grit and passion which is unmistakably their own. From the first chorus it is evident that this album is built for live environments. 

The electric rush of energy in ‘Monkey See Monkey Do’ is fast paced and relentless, the kind which sends crowds into mosh pits and where the beauty of live music comes to life. STONE never lose sight of the fact that the songs are to be performed to rooms full of people not to the walls of high-end studio booths. 

The album shifts into pop punk territory with ‘Stack Up the Reasons’ carried by Fin Power’s soaring vocals and an earworm hook which lingers. Meanwhile ‘Rockmount’ openly nods to the 90s Britpop era with euphoric guitars and shimmering confidence.

One of the standout moments on ‘Autonomy‘ comes from ‘Never Again’, a song which is chaos embodied. The title of the track is repeated throughout like a mantra as the song explodes into multiple directions. The bridge is pure cathartic rage. A perfect example of STONE’s ability to thrive in controlled disorder. 

‘Sweet Heroine’ begins with glamorous guitar lines that shimmer along the track especially as Power delivers the line “your touch makes me crumble” before the song accelerates toward an extended closure. ‘Picture’ is one of those songs where it is impossible not to imagine hundreds of voices belting back to the lyrics “the picture is so clear I don’t believe you” back to the band with arms in the air and a true community feel. STONE understand how the community of a live gig is what makes each song stand out. 

As the record draws to a close the pace softens with ‘Autonomous’ and ‘Freezing’ bringing a moment pf restraint and reflection allowing Powers vocals to take the spotlight.

Across all 13 tracks STONE never lose their Liverpool identity where each song stands on his own but together, they create a statement of intent. They are a band who thrive 

off live moments with crowds at their mercy. Rowdy guitars, anthemic choruses and momentum define their sophomore record.

After forming in 2019, Fin Power, Elliot Gill, Sarah Surrage and Alex Smith have steadily grown from a grassroots name to one of real stage credibility. Backed by the likes of BBC Radio 1 and high-profile tours alongside, Yungblud, The Wombats, DMA’S and The Kooks they had a pivotal moment supporting Sam Fender at Finsbury Park in 2022. Their rise has been steady and well deserved. 

This is an exceedingly strong sophomore album where STONE sound like a band ready to claim their space in British indie rock. ‘Autonomy‘ is set for release on 20th February 2026.