Album Review
Never Heavy Releases “Never Heavy Is One Full of Light”
Steve Alex’s new album is Never Heavy Is One Full of Light. The former frontman of the nineties alt-rock band Four Star Riot has forgone excess production value for a simpler, much more acoustic touch. The album skews the distinctly modern with the excess throwback, something decidedly in for the last couple of years because of romanticization of the past.
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/neverheavy
It could be the sixties, with the sexual revolution fashion and counter-cultural zeist, the seventies being the era of the singer-songwriter juggernauts, when the maestro of the excess confessional was sexiest person of the year. “Never Heavy Is One Full of Light” skews the latter excessively, literally starting with the title, down to the lyrics Alex has written for each track. The album also reflects the era because of the fact each song is a story, all thematically linked, with beginnings middles and ends. The other thing very much a welcome throwback is how personal Alex makes each song, feeling like a vulnerable creative expression.
What makes the album as a whole compete aside from nostalgia is the assuredness with which Alex performs each track. It’s unusual to feel like an artist has their own material on lock, there naturally being hits and misses throughout the course of their career, even their own, individual releases. I’m pleased to say Mr. Alex never falls into any traps on that front. The album is insanely consistent, maddeningly so. I would have liked to see a few cracks here and there, but all in all it’s a solid and entirely immersive achievement.
There’s a visceral quality to each of the tracks, something deeply gripping not just about the music itself but the stories it tells. Storytelling is the lost art of songwriting, much like poetry it’s about speaking to the heart in addition to the mind, conjuring immersive emotive experiences not easily dismissible even when it ends. A lot of this in Alex’s case likely points back to his experiences as rock frontman for Four Star Riot. It’s clear he’s carried this over to “Never Heavy Is One Full of Light,” once stating in an article with V13 Media: “The stage is a great leveler. It is the true yard-stick by which an artist can be measured.”
In the same article, Alex was quoted as saying, “The only reason to be in a rock band is to play live, period…The energy that is given during the show between the band and the audience is the most exhilarating thing I know. It’s fun as well as emotional, but I guess the best part is the danger. My Pseudo-dance and swagger has in the past, produced sprained ankles and bloody puncture wounds. Y’know, the possibility that at any moment the whole thing can fall apart, but that is the beauty of live performances, it’s here, then it’s gone and on to the next song.”
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/never-heavy/1492197159
He carries this mentality to the soft rock nature of his independent release. In many ways, the aforementioned sentiments have never proven more relevant. People crave connectivity in this era, with polls regularly pointing out depression, isolation, and a lack of social cohesion are at record highs. It’s nice to see someone turn back the hands of time on that front, if just a little bit, reminding us about everything that works outside of the corporate-controlled, digitally enhanced world of the top forty still has it.
Loren Sperry
Stay updated! Click the Google News follow button for more news and updates.
Follow on Google NewsAlbum Review
David Jame$ Drops a Genre-Blending Banger with “Country Trap Party Feat Jamie Ray”
David Jame$‘s new song, “Country Trap Party” feat Jamie Ray. It’s a lively mix of trap and country music that will get you in the party mood. The song has a catchy beat that combines the best of both genres and will make you want to dance all night long.
The song blends modern trap beats with classic country sounds to create something new and exciting. David Jame$’s smooth voice and memorable choruses make this song really stand out.
“Country Trap Party” is a song that describes a fun and rebellious night out. Whether you’re driving through the countryside or hanging out at a local bar, this song is perfect for any party that lasts all night.
Album Review
“Pulling Up the Covers” by Richard Lynch: A Heartfelt Tribute to Country’s Timeless Tunes
Year Released: 2024
Genre: Traditional Country
Duration: 44:22
Label: Fence Row Records/MTS
Producer: Richard Lynch
Engineer: Beaird Music Group, Nashville
On “Pulling Up the Covers,” Richard Lynch doesn’t just revisit country classics; he breathes new life into them. This album is a carefully curated collection of 14 tracks, each a nostalgic nod to the golden age of country music. Lynch’s seasoned baritone and authentic delivery make this album not just a tribute, but a personal love letter to the genre that has shaped his life and career.
The LP opens with “Rest Your Love on Me,” a cover of the tender ballad penned by Barry Gibb and made famous by Conway Twitty. Lynch’s rendition is intimate and warm, his voice wrapping around the lyrics with a sincerity that feels both timeless and deeply personal. This sets the tone for an album steeped in reverence for the original works while allowing Lynch’s unique touch to shine through.
Tracks like “Out Of Hand” and “Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico” carry the listener through stories of love, loss, and the open road—staples of traditional country storytelling. Lynch’s interpretations are faithful yet fresh, his vocals conveying a deep connection to the material. “I’m the Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised” brings a playful, rebellious energy, while “If We Make it Through December” offers a poignant reminder of the struggles and hopes that define the human experience.
The production on *”Pulling Up the Covers”* is as classic as the songs themselves. The arrangements are crisp and uncluttered, allowing Lynch’s voice to take center stage, supported by the rich, warm sounds of traditional country instrumentation. The choice to keep the production simple and authentic enhances the emotional impact of each track, making the album feel like a cozy return to country’s roots.
Similar Albums:
1. George Strait – “Pure Country”
2. Alan Jackson – “Under the Influence”
3. Randy Travis – “Influences Vol. 1: The Man I Am”
4. Conway Twitty – “Even Now”
5. Vern Gosdin – “Chiseled in Stone”
For those looking to explore deeper into the essence of traditional country with a more complex narrative structure, give Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger” a listen. This concept album is a masterclass in storytelling, with every song adding layers to a deeply compelling tale.
Verdict: 95/100
“Pulling Up the Covers” is a warm, heartfelt tribute to the songs that made country music great. Richard Lynch’s deep respect for the genre shines through every note, making this album a must-listen for traditional country fans and a touching homage to the legends who paved the way.
–Jana Krazinski
-
Artist Spotlight12 hours ago
24/8 and Frank White Transform Struggle into Strength with ‘Love The Pressure’
-
Artist Spotlight24 hours ago
Aaron Stewart Shines Bright in Emotional Return with New Album, ‘Traveling Light’
-
Artist Spotlight13 hours ago
Nonvector Pushes Metal Boundaries with New Single “Ashen Time”
-
Hip-Hop13 hours ago
Far From Gods Paints New Realities with Hypnotic Single ‘Shapes’
-
Artist Spotlight11 hours ago
Andre Pedone Breathes New Life into Bon Jovi Classic with “Livin’ On A Prayer (Unplugged)”
-
Artist Spotlight11 hours ago
TABLEEK Returns to True Hip-Hop Roots with New Single ‘Lost’
-
Artist Spotlight12 hours ago
Tiana-Green’s Anthem for Anyone Who Knows Their Worth with ‘Envy’
-
Artist Spotlight10 hours ago
Claudia Balla’s “Normal People” Shines a Light on Society’s Pressure to Conform