This gets universally glowing reviews on the t’internet but left me a little unmoved; I’m not always right but it did seem to lack that killer track to draw the listener in.
The sound is melodic pop rock; the more you listen, the more melodic it gets. It’s not the stadium-filling pop of Coldplay, more like Del Amitri, although he’s clearly a big fan of the Beatles and there’s a bit of the pop end of glam rock, too.
Conte is not a young dude and has worked in music all his life after winning a scholarship to attend Rutgers University and graduating with a degree in music, with a focus on jazz guitar performance. His blues band residency saw him play with the likes of Etta James, Charlie Musselwhite, Cyndi Lauper, Lou Marini and Carole King. He also played in Michael Monroe’s (Hanoi Rocks) band.
He has called XTC’s Andy Partridge “one of the greatest songwriters in the world” and the “Making Plans for Nigel” man co-wrote some of the songs on here (a couple of which he left a clear mark on).
The music itself is relentlessly upbeat and catchy, from opener “Fourth July” onwards (the lyrics appear to be comparing the first passion of a new love with the fireworks of 4th July). It’s an inoffensive pop rock tune. “Hey Hey Hey (Aren’t You The One)” is bluesier while “We Like It” is the most glam rock of the tracks, big on the floor toms and with scuzzy guitar.
The better songs are the ones that sound more XTC, clean-cut and sharp pop tunes, such as “Shoot Out the Stars”. Standouts are the Beatles-like “All Tied Up” (“Decomposing a Song for You”, which follows, is even more Beatles) or “Girl With No Name”.
For people who want uncomplicated melodic pop rock, though it may leave you wanting a bit more bite.
See steveconte.bandcamp.com.
JMC
