Stabilo Boss (Independent)
Stabilo Boss is clearly a band made up of sensitive types. In the liner notes to their self-titled debut CD, Chris Moerman, Jesse Dryfhout, Nathan Wylie, and Karl Williaume first thank everyone they might have forgotten, and then go on to display their deepest gratitude to "the inventor of music" for providing the world with rhythm and melody. That's a hint that Stabilo Boss has no interest in overworking the distortion pedals and has probably never heard a rap-rock record.
The 10 songs here sound a little dated at this point: back when the Counting Crows were still considered cool, overly earnest tracks like "Middle of the Night" and "Everybody" would have had a lot more cachet than they do today. That shouldn't detract from the fact that Stabilo Boss is one accomplished unit. From the stellar acoustic-guitar interplay to Wylie's solid drumming, the playing here is flawless and professional but never overpolished, and the songs certainly don't lack for hooks. Watch for these guys--they may not be the coolest band of musicians in Vancouver, but that's not going to stop them from finding a fan base.
Citation: The Georgia Straight, February 1-8, 2001, pg. 77