STEVE THORNE: Levelled (emotional Creatures : Part 3) (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

In the review of his previous album, "Island of the Imbeciles" (2016), we wondered whether this record would perhaps be the last one to be released under Steve Thorne's name, the latter seemingly tempted by a band experience. It seems that he's changed his mind.

Entitled "Levelled", this new record is subtitled "Emotional Creatures: Part 3", referring to the "Part 1 & 2" released at the beginning of Steve Thorne's career in 2005 and 2007 respectively. If these two opuses caressed with their fingertips a progressive rock inspired by the first Genesis and Marillion (the line-up accompanying Steve Thorne coming from the best of the progressive scene of the time), the two following ones had undergone a clear shift towards a quality pop-rock music. Does the subtitle attached to this new album indicate a return to more progressive sources?

Well, not in the least! Apart from "He Who Pays The Piper" which has the luxury of a long instrumental introduction before getting to the heart of the matter, all the other tracks adopt a very conventional song format with very few instrumental introductions and conclusions, alternating verses and choruses often interrupted by small guitar soli. The voice, dominating the album throughout, is the beacon that guides the listener during his listening.

But don't take this as a negative connotation. First of all, this voice is very pleasant, adopting in the melancholic sweetness a false air of Peter Gabriel. Warm, nuanced, with a little rocky grain, it conveys a whole range of emotions, as comfortable in restraint as in a few demonstrations of power. Although the album is more sung than instrumental, this does not prevent a great depth in the music, with some very well done soli and elaborate arrangements giving an impression of richness. Finally, Steve Thorne is an excellent songwriter, able to compose melodies that are immediately appealing but solid enough to make the pleasure even more complete over repeated listening.

If this album is not perfect with sometimes too many chorus repeated on some tracks ('He Who Pays the Piper', 'Rainy Day in New York') or too fast ends (the horrible fade out of 'Waking Up'), the little flaws are quickly forgot in front of the overall quality of the record. "Levelled - Emotional Creatures: Part 3" is an album that should please to all fans of Peter Gabriel or Fish. A very nice album!
- Official website

STEVE THORNE

LEVELLED (EMOTIONAL CREATURES : PART 3)

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK