The tumultuous relationship between the Brothers DeLeo and (former?) frontman Scott Weiland have been well publicized, but it’s also hard to argue that tension within the band produced some of the best 90’s era alt-rock tunes that didn’t emanate from Seattle (see “Plush”, “Interstate Love Song” and “Big Empty”).  It appears that after multiple stints with both Stone Temple Pilots (STP) and Velvet Revolver, Weiland is officially a solo artist now and that’s never been more apparent than with the release of “Out of Time” which introduces Chester Bennington as the new lead vocalist (??!!) of this now alt-rock super-group.

You can judge for yourself how this new formation sounds as Chester and the originating STPers played the KROQ Weenie Roast in LA on May 18th, 2013.

http://youtu.be/Tv9HYDsQE3E

Onto the new single “Out of Time” (which is available via www.stonetemplepilots.com for free)….

If this single is any indication, STP is moving away from the slower tunes and towards a faster, more rock oriented sound.  It’s distinctively different from Linkin Park, but very reminiscent of No.4 “Down” era STP, albeit less plodding and more straight ahead rock. It clocks in at a blistering 3m10s and isn’t drastically different from Weiland’s vocals, but it is clearly a new direction for the band.  Needless to say, I’m very interested in hearing more from this unusual union.

For the record, I had a chance to see Stone Temple Pilots before Weiland went off the rails recently and they were great, and I’m still decidedly pro-Weiland, Bennington has an uphill battle to impress here.

http://youtu.be/QHYm6BkoAzo