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Steven Lemon

...a strange pale blue

Review by Gary Hill
This is an intriguing set. At times it feels almost as if it could have been written for kids. That’s not actually the case, though. The blend of indie, alternative, pop and more can be a little strange, but also entertaining. The opening track feels over-produced to me, really taking away from its effectiveness. Once you get past that point, though, this works better.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2025  Volume 2. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2025.
Track by Track Review
The Radio and Me

Keyboard based sounds get this underway. The vocals come in bringing a lot of pop to the table. This is a pleasant tune, but it’s really over-processed. I think if they had gone a little lighter this would be a great pop rock song. The hooks and basic concept still manage to stand tall, but that processing annoys me so much.

Lifeline

Now, this is a lot more organic. It’s a soft rock number with plenty of pop sound built into. There are hints of The Beatles at times, along with some folk music and more. This is both modern and retro in sound.

We Better Go

Driving, more alternative based, this class brings some variety along with some class. It’s not my favorite thing here, but it definitely has its charms.

Velma Daisy Dinkley

Yes, this is written about that Velma. It’s bouncy, alternative pop music. It’s quirky in some intriguing ways. Odd as this song is, it’s actually one of my favorites here. It has so much magic built into it.

Parvin State Park

This alternative rocker is very cool. It really gets into some rocking zones via some of the guitar work.

Candyland

Bouncy alternative pop, this is fun, but not a standout.

Peas and Carrots

We get more lyrical references to Scooby Doo on this track. The number is bouncy, playful and so much fun. It’s also tastefully quirky It even leans toward art rock. It’s a standout on the album.

This Old Man

More pop oriented, this alternative piece is bouncy and entertaining.

That Sinking Feeling

This one just doesn’t work as well for me. It has a good energy, but the particular brand of alternative music doesn’t really resonate with me.

Scooter Skeleton

A bouncy tune, this has retro textures, but also plenty of alternative pop in the mix.

Chipping Away

This is even bouncier than the previous track was. It’s got almost a polka vibe to it. It’s a fun romp.

Bones

A keyboard and vocal based song, this leans toward progressive rock. It is more balladic. It also has one of the most intriguing vocal arrangements of the disc. It’s also one of the highlights of the album.

 
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