I really wanted to have something positive to say about “Potters Field” the sophomore album from Wind Up’s 12 Stones.  After forcing myself to listen to this the past few weeks and find the good in the bad I have come to a conclusion that is not feasible.  “Potters Field” is not only lacking in originality but in diversity to the point of sounding like one long mundane song.

From the opener “Shadows” to the closing track aptly titled “In Closing” this is a quagmire of everything wrong with modern rock radio.  12 Stones does step out of their comfort zone at times for instance in “Lifeless” instead of playing distorted power chords on the verses they opt for clean strumming before going into the chorus.  “Photograph” opens with strings and an acoustic guitar but lasts all of about 40 seconds before going back to what has gotten them by thus far. “Stay” continues in the vein of clean verse with a big heavy chorus and “Waiting For Yesterday” does nothing to change this formula. 

Vocalist Paul McCoy doesn't help the band from being labeled as new rock imitators.  There was several times while listening to “Potters Field” that I thought I was listening to a new Lifehouse or Three Doors Down record.  It is the same unexciting baritone singing that has bored us since Scott Stapp’s voice hit the airwaves several years’ back. 

In all honesty I do not understand why bands continue to put out music almost identical to their colleagues and predecessors.  There is no artistry, no excitement, and no spontaneity just the same formulaic rock sound that continues to resurface every year.  “Potters Field” is the picture perfect example of this, I’m just waiting for Creed or Nickleback to start suing these guys for royalties.