Paul Steel : 'Moon Rock'
Released: 20th July 2009
Label: Ray Gun Records
Pop can often be a bland genre; the same formulaic music from the same carbon copied artists producing the same mediocre response from critics and fans alike. But every so often something different comes along that can inspire the imagination and breathe life into a tired genre. With tales of comas, drinking games, the universe, tears, broken hearts and the summer, Paul Steel brings the weird and the wonderful together in dramatic style. Introducing, Moon Rock.
What most pop acts often forget, to their considerable detriment, is how important an element of fun is in their music. This is something that Paul Steel has woven into the very fabric of this eccentric album. With tracks by the names of “In A Coma”, “Oh No! Oh Yeah!” and “Rust & Dust” it is evident that this young man does not take himself too seriously. Couple that with vivd album artwork and an over the top, full sound and you have an album that will turn heads at the very least.
The pleasing thing is that Steel manages to back up the fun element with sound and elaborate musical substance. Utilising an orchestra as well as a number of percussion instruments, each track is bursting with life. Previously mentioned track “In A Coma” brims with a rip roaring melody that belies it's morbid subject matter, complete with group clapping and an epic story line to match. Steel's vocal range is impressive, ploughing low depths before soaring into a towering falsetto with obvious Beach Boys elements. For a track with such a name, it certainly is a surprise.
With such eccentricity obvious comparisons can be drawn with the master of camp, Mika. “Oh No! Oh Yeah” possesses a suitably jaunty melody that wouldn't go a miss on the star's album, yet Steel's substantial voice averts a carbon copy situation. Perhaps a bigger complement is the air of Queen that floats throughout the album, with “Crossed The Line” containing staccato keyboard chords and vocal harmonies that evoke memories of Mr Mercury himself. With the line “One drinking game turned to a night of shame/Careless events dominoed.” Steel even offers a form of social commentary, with many youths and students being able to relate to such a lament. To draw so many elements from a seemingly light hearted premise shows a depth that is by no means evident from the start.
Light hearted is perhaps the best direction for Steel, with his foray into more serious subject matter being much less effective. “Hole In Your Heart” is a bloated attempt at a ballad that dies a good minute before it's conclusion despite some pleasant vocal melodies and standard piano chords. “I Will Make You Disappear” also suffers from heavy feat, with a boring 4/4 drum beat and forgettable melody that unfortunately make it's four minute duration seem like a lifetime.
Despite a few lame ducks, the fun filled tracks take a greater focus and turn Moon Rock into a solid pop album that will undoubtedly have many fans. It's character and personality prevents it falling into the mindless pop category, whilst Steel's musical competence ensures it is taken seriously at the same time. In agreement with penultimate track “Summer Song”, it is sure to be one to enjoy with the sun shining.
Words: Dan Grose
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