Steve
Artist: Steve
Label: Alliance Music (UK)
Length: 4 tracks/13:18
Formerly known as Bleach, this is yet another group whose name change
was forced by the appearance of a similarly monikered US act. Steve, which
share a name with their bass player, hail from the same NGM stable as dance
favourites dba and Hydro. Their music is used in outreach, but has also
built them a fanbase at various Christian festivals.
Musically, these guys are firmly placed at the underground end of
brit-pop, following in the footsteps of underground favourites like Bennett
with catchy melodies and lyrical hooks. The opener, "mr wonderful," takes
a glance at popularity with lyrics which are likely to connect with their
audience by referring sarcastically to figures we're all familiar with:
smooth talker,
you're the king of all put-downs
super-hero
what a star, full of style
you're so wonderful
The music is varied and shows that while the band like to take themselves
seriously, they've noticed that the original wave of brit-pop is old news.
"In the Sky" is slightly more predictable and could do with the lighter
feel of its predecessor, which thankfully "this side up" has. With a hammond-like
sound which is either a very clever guitar effect or a guest musician,
it is funky and fun. The EP closes with a "live piano version" of another
track, "daydreamer."
It's early days for Steve. There are some good, fun songs on show
here which suggest that with some more songs they could turn out a good
album. Probably not worth the effort of tracking down from abroad (partly
due to its length), they're another one to watch.
By James Stewart (09/29/98)
