NEWMAN - review added 4th October 2011
Album Review: Under Southern Skies (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
"Newman" is musician Steve Newman's pet project which runs alongside his production and writing work at his Blue Room studio in the UK. Apart from drums and the odd guitar solo, Steve performs everything on his albums and this one is no different. "Under Southern Skies" follows 2010's "The Art Of Balance", and is the first album to see Newman signed to a record label in years.
The sound is typical Newman, meaning big hearty vocals, a solid-as-a-solid-thing rhythm section and wonderful melodious guitars and keys. On past evidence Steve doesn't know how to make a bad album and nothing changes here. USS is full of memorable hard rocking tracks with more hooks than a fishing shop. If you had to pick one artist to have on your desert island with you, you could do a lot worse than this guy.
It's hard work picking best tracks as there isn't a duffer throughout, though the title track, the lovely 'Strength To Carry On', 'Without Warning', 'Fire With Fire' and the epic 'Montserrat' arguably make themselves known with a little more aplomb.
In Summation:
Newman reviews are so boring. "Another excellent album" can always be assumed. The man should put out a rubbish one once in a while just so we have something to talk about!
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01 Killing Me
02 If He Loves You
03 Under Southern Skies
04 Strength To Carry On
05 Ghost In The Night
06 Without Warning
07 She’s Gone
08 Fire With Fire
09 Save No Prisoners
10 Wish You Were Here
11 Montserrat
Band/Performers:
Steve Newman: Vocals, Guitar, and Keyboards
Rob McEwen: Drums & Percussion
Shaun Bessant: Lead Guitar on “If He Loves You”
Other Info:
Label: AOR Heaven
Artist's website(s): Newman | MySpace
