Never Heavy is the debut LP release from Bay area–that’s Tampa Bay–musician Steve Alex. Alex, a veteran of the Tampa scene, took advantage of some pandemic-related schedule space to record this solo effort.
It’s sunny in Florida, and that sunshine spills right into the opener “Sensation.” It’s two-and-a-half minutes of glorious pop: a 4/4 beat, guitars, synths, three chords (OK, four), a sing-along chorus dripping with harmony. There’s nice production on the last verse, with handclaps and tambourine to take us over the top. It’s the Cars on spring break, with the top down and the cassette deck blasting. Once you’ve repeated that track a few times, you’ll find “Endless Summer,” Alex’s version of the wistful mid-tempo mid-year chill-out tune. Like the rest of the album, it’s well-produced; arrangements are tight and leave no fat to trim. Choruses soar. Harmonies are full. Guitars crackle but don’t offend. Synths wash, and throw in melodies here and there. Bass lines are melodic, and drums do exactly what you’d expect. It’s indie pop-rock, well done. There’s a nice gloss, to be sure, but there’s more here than just rainbows and beach bonfires. Some of the lyrics lean a little dark (or at least a little sketchy). “Not Around” breaks out some different harmonies, which is a welcome, unexpected change. “Moment” takes on a smoky, minor blues feel, with echoed guitar licks and piano lines that set off nice production touches. The steel drums and organ fill out “Goodbye Positions”’s acoustic guitar work nicely. The on-genre sax part of “Nice Life” is exactly what the song needed. The most interesting track is the instrumental “Marmalade,” which, surrounded on each side by four gems, is the tasty filling of the pop sandwich. It’s driven by a pumping bass riff and features complementary guitar and keyboard parts panned hard left and right. You can pick them out individually while letting them image together and blend–it’s a very cool sound and a fun listen. Steve Alex has delivered a lovely record with Never Heavy. Plug it in, drop the top, turn the knob and enjoy some Florida sunshine.
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