REVIEW: Run For Your Life
EP Title: Run For Your Life
Release Date: January 26, 2011
Written and Performed by: Aaron Stoquert
Recorded by: fiveOhfour entertainment
While you are killing Nazi zombies on Call of Duty -Black Ops, why not listen to Run For Your Life. It’s the perfect music as you run out of ammunition and decaying Nazi zombies surround you.
Aaron Stoquert, a 24 year-old New York singer/songwriter, released his first EP on January 26, 2011. A five-song album – written from a zombie’s perspective – titled: Run For Your Life.
The funebrial lamentation of a mournful spirit pales in comparison to these obsessive, disconsolate lyrics. Aaron Stoquert’s haunting and dolorous voice leads you deeper into this splenetic ambiance.
I wanted to know more about the man behind the EP; so, I emailed Aaron with a few questions. Not only did he respond quickly; he also answered all of my questions!
Angelica: Would you mind telling me about your musical background?
Aaron: I have been around music my entire life. My father is a successful drummer in the upstate central New York region, because of this a drum set has never been far, my two little brothers also play music extensively so for me, music is almost innate. I started playing guitar at the age of 15 and throughout high school I was involved in a few different musical projects fulfilling different roles (singer, rhythm guitar player, bass player and even a little drumming). In college I played bass for John Carpenter until he relocated to the west coast. Most recently In addition to my solo music, I currently play bass for Brooklyn’s Jim Heffernan.
Angelica: What is it about music that you love the most?
Aaron: Figuring out the difference between creating music and creating art. One makes music when they whistle or clap their hands, which is fun and interesting in and of itself. But what I love the most is finding the point when expression and melody meet up and say “Hey, lets do this.”
Angelica: Do you write all of your songs?
Aaron: Yes, all music and lyrics are written by me.
Below are the five songs appearing on the EP. Aaron’s performances, at the Coffeehouse Series – February 10, 2011, appears on the YouTube channel: HofstraConcerts . A hyperlink is provided (if available) for each song title. “Flesh and Bone†and “Dog Days†do not appear on Run For Your Life.
Accompanying Aaron on the HofstraConcerts performances are: Max Campanie, Bass and Krista Masino, vocals/tambourine.1 Max and Krista do not appear on Run For Your Life, but they will be featured on an upcoming full-length version – tentatively scheduled for October 2011.
Bunker Hill:
“Arms of the Dead have no comfort to give,” Sad words, that ring with truth. The melancholy mood brings forth a vision of desolation – wrapped in the grey hues of a lost world.
Soft Skin :
The dying embers of a blazing romance. When you are dead to the one you love, it isn’t much different than the knife physically plunged through your heart.
Last Day:
The most anguished song on the album; plagued lyrics confess there is nothing more to give. An irrevocable path is laid out before you, ‘quick and painless’ your final request.
Pass Me By :
Both the lyrics and acoustical expressions, in “Pass Me By” break away from contemporary folk to a more
blues-like sound. It appears, Aaron allowed more self-expression with this piece – evident through the inflection of his voice.
I’ll See You Again :
The expression, “Love is blind” applies perfectly to this song. When our time comes to leave this world, nothing will matter but the heart. Material possessions, social status, and the flesh will all turn to ash. The poetic lyrics and emotional depth, make this song seem more personal and heartfelt than the other four songs.
Flesh and Bone
Dog Days
Those new and old – to the zombie genre – will enjoy Run For Your Life. Aaron’s work will be appreciated by those that love music, artists, musicians, and poets/writers (like myself). Personally, I anxiously await the upcoming full-version.
1 – Max Campanie’s and Krista Masino’s names are mentioned – in this review – with permission from Aaron Stoquert.
You can check out the album at Aaron Stoquert’s Site
