No labels or tags are required for the music of Steve
Grozier as it speaks for itself. Literal geographic associations may despatch it
westward across the ocean, but then again music with a ‘state of mind rhetoric’
respects no boundaries. A PLACE WE CALLED HOME may only be a sample of what
this Glasgow singer-songwriter is capable of, yet it significantly captures an
intended sound and sends a signal out that more will come providing the
prevailing winds are kind.
The four tracks that form this EP are cut from the classic
territory of Steve’s American influences. In essence, they are songs driven by
the heart before enabling a skilful soundtrack to allow their artistic
flourishing. Underpinned by driving guitar to inject the rock influence, the
sound elevates its ambience through the delightful twang of the pedal steel
thus ensuring that anybody with an acute country ear will take note. Although, critically
there are no pseudo vocal aspirations.
Lead single ‘Where the
Roses Grow’ doubles up as the record opener and unravels as a certified
rocker, albeit draped in a sensitive sentiment. The swirling guitars adopt a
chilling presence as the piece rolls towards its conclusion making it an
appealing introduction. ‘The Hardest
Thing’ sees Steve in a mellower phase letting the twang set the scene and
ensuring the tough lyrical input rises to the surface. ‘Nothing Feels’ continues in a sensitive mode with more steel coming
to the fore and generally evoking back to a time when troubadours first took a
grip on the contemporary music scene. ‘A
Place We Called Home’ is probably the most ear catching track on this short
collection, ably assisted by an infectious opening line melody which ends up
framing the song.
www.stevegrozier.bandcamp.com
