Single Review Spotlight: Stir

STIR - New Beginning (3:38)
PRODUCER: Howard Benson
WRITER: Andrew Schmidt
PUBLISHER: not listed
Capitol 15105 (CD promo)
Whoa. The first single from Stir's sophomore release, "Holy Dogs," is already gaining legs at modern rock, but expect this "New Beginning" to catapult into a full-fledged sprint in the coming weeks as listeners grab hold of this spectacularly produced ear-snatching modern rocker-with the emphasis on modern, indeed. Take vocals with the potency of a white shark, add a ranting chorus that's wholly inclusive of the masses and a left-of-center midsection breakdown that pays off more than Regis Philbin, and, in itself, you've got a track that's insisting upon acceptance on today's finicky airwaves. But add a host of resourceful production accessories, from rap scratches and space-age blips to a blast of guitars as the song crescendos, and you've got one irresistible launching pad. Mighty high-fives to producer Howard Benson (Zebrahead, P.O.D.), mixer Chris Lord-Alge, songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Andrew Schmidt, drummer extraordinaire Brad Booker, and bassist Kevin Gagnepain for the best in-your-face anthem of the millennium. Whether you know it yet or not, these guys are stars.