- Steve Steele's The Expat - Photo Courtesy of Ultraviolet Catastrophe Records
Listeners will not be able to deny the enigmatic, deep vampire-ish voice Steve Steele showcases in the dozen tracks on The Expat. With strong chord progression and pulsating orchestrations, the so-so lyrics are overshadowed by the gritty fire and meaty guitar licks.
Steele's own label, Ultraviolet Catastrophe Records, released this breathe of work. It is evident his own confidence is equaled to the work he has completed.
Theme for Album is Being Disconnected
According to his official biography, Steele's theme for The Expat is being disconnected. An interesting thought, though, that while reading through his sheet, Steele is prolific in several instruments and is in fact, completely connected to each song in more than one way. The listener's connection to each song, especially in the first handful is best exemplified in "Dramatic Girls Forever" (track two).
"Girls" has a power guitar riff that could easily sweat its way into a Rob Zombie or Disturbed track; yet Steele's voice (much like Geoff Tate of Queensryche fame) strangles the listener into this power hold. Steele is harsh without hate; airy without fluff.
In track six, "My Brother, The Devil" the sinister opening riffs channels into this geddie-up 60s Mod Squad roll. Steele's chorus and vocals erupt into this dramatic story teller. There is not sense is silencing this song. It is out there, but fun.
New York City Song is One of The Best
In track eight, "Pretty" the mood is lessened to a calm shady tracky. Steele's voice is a bit like David Bowie. This is a repetitive song, but Steele manages to create a beauty in a murky water of simplicity. Track 10, "New York City" has a creepy intro to it, before the bass-heavy section interrupts it.
What this writer liked about "New York City" is the sense of movement. Steele creates a moving picture through sound. The guitar orchestration is killer. While he does not create a grand landscape of light; he manages to come close. The ending to this song could have jammed much longer, but he trimmed perfectly.
Overall Review Grade of B
Other stand out tracks on Steele's The Expat are track four "Via Satellite" and track 12 "Star City". A few tracks (five and nine) are just spurts of sounds. Overall the review for The Expat is B. His voice is incredible, as his orchestration. This writer wanted more juice to the lyrics. Fans of Queensryche, Bowie, some 80s New Wave, obscure progressive rock will really dig Steve Steele.
Melissa Kucirek - Melissa L. Kucirek M.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2004) B.A. University of Nebraska - Omaha (2001) I'm a freelance writer ...
