Constantly being compared to classic rock legends like Free, Thin Lizzy and Cream, the band Stone Axe has gotten a lot of hype lately. But instead of Phil Lynott or Eric Clapton, you have Dru Brinkerhoff and Tony Reed, two dudes from Port Orchard. These guys have something special, a rawness beyond that of doobie-smoking-nostalgia, or good vibes or raunchy rock ‘n’ roll. They also provide something current and more universal — a primal need of voice and rhythm that harmonizes in a way that brings the soul to the edge of its hiding place.

Stone Axe’s sound is familiar but fresh.

Following the recent break-up of his previous band Mos Generator, Reed welcomes the challenges that Stone Axe brings. He single-handedly concocts, in his studio, the well-thought, precise execution of tasty guitar licks, rolling drum beats and weighted bass that makes this band worthy.

It’s something Reed is amazing at. He just plays and layers, layers and plays, until the music lands in its appropriate place.

“It’s a control thing,” Reed acknowledges.

And it works. His deliberate moves give the music a lucid, complete sound. 

“It’s still hard rock style,” Reed says. “Just with more spaces so the tones are clearer.”

He then hands over the music to buddy Dru Brinkerhoff, where the rest of the magic happens. The clever lyrics, the wide-ranging vocals and the obvious heart resonate throughout.

“I hear the songs and then come up with a story,” Brinkerhoff states, “I try to keep it open so people can pull a message without getting too serious or political.”

Live, Stone Axe includes the talent of Mykey Haslip on drums and Mike Dupont on bass. Together, they can work a crowd and have been invited to the 2010 Roadburn Festival in Holland, which they’ll attend during a European tour.

Stone Axe has momentum. The band’s lyrics swirl around in your skull, wrapped with groovy guitar — a heady reminder that they have serious talent. With the band’s debut CD scheduled for release on the same day, celebrate with them Saturday at Stone Axe’s East Coast tour kickoff, CD release party at Hell’s Kitchen’s Heavy in Tacoma Fest.

[Hell’s Kitchen, Stone Axe, Jucifer, 12 Gauge Saint, Dirty Knockers, Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m., $5, 3829 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.759.6003]