Steve

Item: Falling Down
Author: James Stewart

Falling Down

(2001)

Reviewed by James Stewart

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Label ForeFront RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

britpop modern rock pop rock power pop

With Delirious? so much in demand these days there's a bit of a vacancy for a more grassroots band with a similar touch. Having toured with the d:boys last year, Steve look as likely a band as any to pick up that mantle. An acclaimed set at Greenbelt this year, coupled with this big budget release, are the tools they're hoping will help them fill that position.

Their music fits in somewhere around the power-pop niche, with the odd break for a ballad or two. But sadly, they seem to have ended up a little too close to Delirious? for comfort, with even the vocals sounding Martin Smith-esque in places. The band are clearly more than competent and have a good array of songs -- you'd be hard pressed to link the two bands song-for-song and you might want to also mention All Star United as an influence -- but the feeling is still a little unsettling, particularly when the only real exception prompts questions of "is that Travis?"

The production certainly shows its budget in a positive way and is, if anything, more focused than your average Delirious? album. There are plenty of little touches that add extra texture to the songs and some strong hooks, and towards the end of the album the band start to experiment a little more, with some funky Hammond organ sneaking in at the end of "Divine Design," but it's not quite enough.

This album shows that Steve could be a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to write a pop hook and inject it with some power is not in doubt. But they really need to strike out on their own and show the personality that is evident in their live set.

(Please note that this review was based on a pre-release and the track sequencing referred to may not be the final order.)