“Stones,” from Anchor & Braille’s 14-track album New Mexico, delivers a distinct angular, electronic pop-rock sound that provides a compelling contrast to other tracks on the record. This song’s style highlights Stephen Christian’s intent to explore a diverse range of musical textures inspired by his time in New Mexico, without being confined to a single genre. It serves as an example of the album’s broad sonic palette, incorporating modern electronic elements within the overarching indie and “spaghetti Western” rock framework.

The inclusion of “Stones” within the album’s narrative further underscores the theme of contradictions that Christian explores throughout New Mexico. Its electronic pop-rock style stands in stark relief to more graceful desert rock tracks like “Corrales,” yet it seamlessly fits into the album’s larger story. This interplay of differing moods and sounds reflects the album’s exploration of darkness and light, past and present, contributing to the rich and immersive experience that New Mexico aims to provide for its listeners.