Wish there was a British Invasion of the Christian industry? Well look no further than Steve, a frenetic foursome out of Bristol, England. I'm not talking the type of hangers-on like Herman's Hermits or any of those types. I'm talking the first-wave, Who/Beatles/Rolling Stones type Invasion.
These guys have a style that is not found anywhere right now in the Christian industry. They take musical risks that are hardly ever dreamed of by the mainstays of CCM such as Point of Grace, Avalon, Sierra, and others. It's a little bit like a pop-friendly Radiohead. Falling Down has a pervading sense of melancholiness, but it's not the dreary sort found in Portishead or other Brit favorites. Instead, hope prevails through the melancholy, making the strong faith of the band members obvious to anyone who understands a British accent.
There are several musical highpoints on the album, such as in 'My Ever My All,' which has good, strong guitar lines that make you want to see them live. Unfortunately, they're rather booked in Britain, so that may not be happening for awhile. At least there's the CD. They also have several samples and loops thrown it throughout the album--take a good listen. Another strong track is 'Falling Down,' which has a cool intro complete with a catchy electronic tone that won't be able to get out of your head. The song also has a smooth segue into track 6, 'Divine Design,' that will catch you off guard if you're not watching the display on your CD player.
The only weakness on the entire album the chorus to 'Fine.' It isn't even that bad, but the repetition of the title word can grate on your ears. Otherwise, the band is very solid musically and lyrically, with lyrics that celebrate their faith without sounding trite and overused. One such example is in 'Divine Design': "Divine design my genes are new (resonate the truth) / My former story's sold because of you / Now my eyes see a prize / That is greater than (greater than the world) / It's the way, with the truth, / In a life, that's everything."
After you buy the album, make sure to check out the website. It's very well done, and even has Steve-themed games. It's obvious these guys aren't afraid to poke fun at themselves.
Final verdict--buy the album already!
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by David MartinCOOL!!! Radiohead became a poppy praise and worship band! Okay, not really. Sorry to scare you there (or get you excited, as the case may be). I just couldn't help drawing the comparison. Sometimes, when reviewing a new band, comparisons come all too easily. Such is the case with the Christian rock band Steve. One of the latest acts to emerge from the British worship revival, Steve is a foursome…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by James StewartWith 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…Similar sounding releases
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1998SemisonicFeeling Strangely Fine
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2001Tim HughesHere I Am to Worship
