Under The Fretboard: The Blue Stones
This is the first installment in a series of brief introductions to lesser-known blues rock artists, genre crossers, and better-known artists straying into blues rock. Crossers and strays really may not be a suitable label since we all know blues is the root of today’s contemporary music. Let’s just say you’re likely in for some surprises. Originally intended to be a single top ten featurette, I wouldn’t be doing the reader or the artists justice clustering such a variety of different artists into a single basket. I hope you enjoy some of these hidden treasures in Under The Fretboard.
The Blue Stones: A Modern Blues Rock Force with Genre-Bending Grit
Hailing from Windsor, Ontario, The Blue Stones are a Canadian duo composed of Tarek Jafar (vocals, guitar, keys) and Justin Tessier (drums, backing vocals). Emerging onto the scene in the early 2010s, they quickly drew comparisons to The Black Keys and Royal Blood for their gritty, fuzz-drenched sound and explosive two-man live performances. Early comparisons can be misleading —The Blue Stones are carving their own lane with an eclectic mix of blues, alt-rock, soul, and hip-hop-inspired sounds.
Like many artists in this series, my first exposure was a streaming channel “you might like” that turned into a jaw-dropping “who the hell is this?”. That track was “Black Holes (Solid Ground),” the title track to their 2015 debut album Black Holes, which was rereleased in 2018. That track and others like “Rolling with the Punches” and “Be My Fire” gained major traction on streaming platforms and brought a raw, garage-blues energy that resonated with fans of gritty, emotional rock. Personal favorites “Magic” and “Lay” are also definitely listen worthy.
In 2021, they followed up with Hidden Gems, co-produced with Paul Meany (Mutemath, Twenty One Pilots). This sophomore effort introduced a sleeker, more melodic sound without losing their edge. Standouts like “Shakin’ Off the Rust”, “Let It Ride”, and “Grim” found critical acclaim and were heavily featured on Spotify’s Rock This and All New Rock playlists. “Shakin’ Off the Rust” also hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Indicator Chart and continues to be a staple on alt-rock radio. Others include rocking “Spirit”, the smooth “Make This Easy”, and the humorous rap “LA Afterlife”.
Their third album, Pretty Monster (2022), further refined their sound, delivering infectious hooks and dynamic arrangements. Notable tracks include “Don’t Miss”, “Cards Are Down”, and “What’s It Take to Be Happy?”, each showing off their growth as songwriters and studio artists. Personal favorites include “Healing” and “Let Me Out”. The album was later nominated for a 2024 JUNO Award in the category of Rock Album of the Year.
March of 2025 saw their fourth LP, Metro, come out following the singles “Your Master”, “Kill Box”, and “Come Apart”. While not as gritty as its predecessors, Metro is a darker, brooding effort that long-time fans may take a couple of listens to appreciate. ‘Dystopian’ has appeared in a couple of reviews of the album. Tracks “Happy Cry” and “Falling Leaves” are sad and honest, yet pleasantly solid tracks.
For a duo, The Blue Stones bring an incredible amount of power, soul, and diversity to the table. If given a chance to see them live, take it. I’ve had the pleasure on four occasions, and the comparisons to The Black Keys become evident. They’re not purists—their music flirts with soul, hip-hop beats, and alternative textures—but their heart is grounded in blues rock. If you’re into driving riffs, haunting vocals, and songs that evolve with each listen, The Blue Stones deserve a shot on your playlist.