Artist: Steveless
Title: Popular Music In Theory
By Conor Duffy

Obviously someone’s been telling people about the site, as this popped through my letterbox last week. Originally a one-man band in the form of Dan Newman, Steveless has since grown, and as a four-piece their debut is set for release on October 10th through Cherryade Records. Perhaps for this reason, included with the CD were two rather delightful cherry flavour gummies, which immediately gave me a feeling of warmth towards the band. Something for anyone thinking about sending me a demo to remember: a really good review can always be bought with some sweets, preferably ones that best represent you as a musical outfit (liquorice all sorts will not be accepted.)

Another thing: if you’re going to start your record with feedback, give me some advanced warning. This is how Steveless kick off Popular Music In Theory, something I regretfully learned while listening to the band on maximum volume through headphones. Happy, I was not. But when my hearing returned I was rewarded with tracks like opener “Bored”, all scratchy, crunchy guitars and dinky electronic noises. Channelling sounds into catchy songs is the aim of the game on this album, and while the songs are full of hooks that you could be humming for days afterwards, they get shattered beyond recognition. Dan’s voice is remarkably appropriate for these songs, moving from a stoner drawl to strangled screams and atonal humming. It comes out sounding like Iggy Pop fronting Minor Threat. But with synths. And if that sounds ridiculous, listen to “Waiting” and tell me that doesn’t sound like the riff to “Straight Edge.”

Every song here follows a similar pattern, with crushing guitars and madman drumming leading the way. The band start and stop, holding a single off-key note forever, before throwing themselves headlong back into the fray. If they sound this frightening on record, their live shows must be a wonderful endurance test for all involved.

Technically, this is supposed to be Steveless’ “pop” record, but there’s very little similarity between this and anything you’ll hear on daytime radio. The masses will not want anything that sounds this violent. Let their loss be your gain, and pick up this little riot on plastic or vinyl when it comes out next week.

Steveless website: www.steveless.co.uk
Cherryade Records: www.cherryademusic.co.uk. I got the album cover from their myspace page.