Málaga’s Stone Sea released “Left to Be” on December 12th, a track pulling heavily from 90s grunge and alternative rock. The band formed in Brazil, evolved in Ireland, and is now operating out of Spain. Written and composed by Elvis Suhadolnik Bonesso, the song came out of a period where thought loops, escapism, and self-reflection tangled together. The lyrics deal with feeling stuck inside your own cycles, blurring fear into contemplation, and drifting between awareness and escape.
The chorus drops words entirely and goes for stacked vocal harmonies instead, using them as a release point. The song was recorded at Trackmix Studios in Ireland, with Elvis on guitars, vocals, and bass, joined by Connor Middleton on drums. Stone Sea blends heavy, hypnotic grooves with melodic elements and hints of world music, creating a sound where heaviness and melody share space. “Left to Be” is a step toward their upcoming album “Ad Astra”.
I was already on board with this song when it started like a Pearl Jam song with that grungy riff and those vocal harmonies but almost halfway through, the atmosphere shifts and a clean section with some really creative drumming that creates an otherworldly feel. It goes hand in hand with the theme that the song discusses, which is the idea of watching different versions of yourself fade across the water. Another big shift comes after that section into a huge sounding guitar solo with harmonic movements like a progressive metal song. This is definitely one of the most texturally diverse rock songs I’ve heard in a while.
Stone Sea‘s moving toward Ad Astra with a clear sense of what they’re after. “Left to Be” shows they’re not interested in sticking to one lane within the grunge and alternative rock framework. The production gives each section room to breathe, and the shifts between heavy and clean don’t feel forced. For a band that’s crossed continents to get where they are now, this track shows they’ve got something distinct going.
