Stephen Davis is a self-producing solo artist who writes new, ’80s-Inspired alternative pop rock with a post-punk influence. Located in Irvine, California, his early influences include The Cars, David Bowie and The Beatles. After many years of writing material for TV placements, his debut album the Lakestone features eight previously released singles. Davis is currently ranked #1 on Reverbnation and has been there for several months. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered in Irvine. Davis loves '80s new wave, but only got into it after a long attraction to classic and hard rock. With the Lakestone, you'll hear influences from ‘80s new wave, punk and rock. Thematically, the songs are about the challenges people go through and Davis tries to address them in a positive way.
To kick things off is “You Scarred Up My Heart” – an early ‘80s rock number that has hints of The Kings and Rick Springfield. The backing vocals reminded me of The Smithereens. “Above it All” has a fun rhythm with all the ‘80s hallmarks of pop rock favorites of that day. I heard echoes of XTC and The Smiths, and probably others I forgot to mention here. I really liked the hope and optimism with Davis’ writing – of “rising above it all” and remembering that “you’re not alone” in the fight for progress. It seems that songs like this are sorely lacking these days. “Start Again” has a fantastic arrangement of guitar, bass and drums. It really drew me in. The rhythm on the hi-hat and post-punk, new wave beat reminds me of old R.E.M. but also, in some weird way, Blondie. Next up is “Drop the Lie” – a harder rocking number, with styles of punk thrown in – think maybe The Romantics before they went all pop and big hair. “All Wrong Together” has a different approach, like, I’m talking Bowie here. Something from his ‘80s catalog comes to mind. Overall, I liked Davis’ attitude, and cheeky lyrics and his arrangement of instruments, too. “Welcome Home” has a definite, big and bold new wave sound, complete with electronic drums and steady, but quirky bass lines. The keys at the end were a nice addition as well. “Just a Season” offers the listener Davis’ style of the pop ballad. In this number, I was hearing The Dream Academy, The Pretenders and Simple Minds. For me, his lyrics really tugged at the heart with hope and fullness of life, but also, nostalgia for this listener – “It’s just a season our lives are in, then the sun will be back again / As you reach for a reason, hold onto Spring when together meant everything / Yeah, hold onto that feeling, as each storm begins it’s just the season our lives are in.” “Feel So Now” has got a great sounding melodic bass (making me think of Peter Hook from Joy Division and New Order). Overall, a likable, catchy sound, I thought. Davis’ pop rock approach with tinges of summertime fun, reminded me of The Cars’ work. If you like the many styles and sounds of the ‘80s, anything from new wave to post-punk, pop and rock, give Stephen Davis’s the Lakestone a try.
4 Comments
Jules Johnson
9/25/2020 09:20:12 am
A timeless album with hit after hit. You'll find yourself singing the songs in your head after you have listened. A must-have!
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Julie Johnson
9/25/2020 09:21:05 am
A timeless album full of hit after hit! A must-have!
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Sally Tharp
10/19/2020 03:16:18 pm
Fabulous album. Masterful songwriting with real life themes, deep sensitivity, complex textures and familliar yet innovative styles. Listening to it over and over again. One of the best albums in a long time!
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