Stem - Amusingly Short of Details

All Music Guide

The sole album by Toronto-based alternative folk-rockers Stem works both sides of that hyphen about equally. The album is evenly divided, with delicately chiming acoustic guitars and noisy post-grunge electrics trading off as the arrangements' primary focus. Similarly, lead singer Terri Quayle veers from a delicate yet smoky voice (not unlike Margo Timmons of the Cowboy Junkies) to a rougher growl as required. In many bands this would be evidence of stylistic indecision, but somehow Stem makes the combination work without Amusingly Short of Details sounding like two different bands alternating tracks. The album does have its flaws, particularly that about half of the songs overstay their welcome by a minute or so. However, producer John Switzer (best known for his work with Jane Siberry) provides enough atmospheric touches and balances the folk and rock elements well enough to make this a satisfying listen.

- Stewart Mason, All Music Guide