Hard rock duo Perry & Blackwell are back on the scene with the release of their highly anticipated first single, Sticks & Stones, dropping in tandem with their self-recorded debut album Volume 1. Jon Perry and Jake Blackwell, two lifelong friends and seasoned rock musicians, are breaking new ground with their solo project that hails a return to a more swagger-filled, rock n roll sound.

Fans of Durban's local rock scene will recognise Perry & Blackwell from their previous bands, including Zip Code, High Trailer, Conform To None, and the heavier Minority For The Masses. After years of honing their skills and exploring different musical landscapes, the duo has come full circle, creating an album that is both nostalgic and refreshingly raw. Sticks & Stones—the catalyst for the entire project—captures this new direction perfectly.

The journey of Sticks & Stones began with a riff Jon had been playing around with, a riff so powerful that it sparked the creation of the whole album. It marks a clear departure from the heavier, metal-infused sound of Minority For The Masses and dives headfirst into a rock n roll vibe with a punch of swing and swagger. Jake explains, "We wanted this new project to embody the energy and attitude of classic rock n roll, with songs that feel alive and unrestrained."

The message behind the song is simple yet potent—a call for redemption and release. "Sticks & Stones is about freeing yourself from the metaphorical barriers that have held you back. "It’s about shedding those things that have tripped you up and clearing a path forward," says Jon.

When it came to writing the track, the synergy between Jon and Jake was as strong as ever. Jon laid down the skeleton of the song, built around his unforgettable riff, while Jake added layered guitar parts that brought a fresh dynamic to the song's verses. The two then collaborated on the vocal melodies and lyrical themes, which unfolded naturally as the song took shape.

Perry & Blackwell's debut single Sticks & Stones and full-length album Volume 1 are available on all major streaming platforms.

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