| Download Review - The Collected Works Of Steve Cowan |
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Monday, 01 December 2008 |
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| Review by JD 23 March 2007 |
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Steve Cowan may not have a life. That's not a judgement, nor perhaps even a statement of fact. Its merely my take, and that's purely based on recorded output. Where does he get the time to write and record so much music? To say that the talented Mr Cowan is prolific is like saying Hendrix was a good guitarist - its a fact that all are aware of, so hardly worth repeating. The only reason for me mentioning it here is to explain why I've lumped the collective works together rather than review each project separately. I bascially wouldn't have the time. And also, I think it demonstrates that not only is Steve Cowan prolific, he's not restricted to one genre and equally at home in different styles.
Naira is an Alternative / Acoustic / Rock project. Originally started back in 2003, Steve has re-invented it as a four piece after a long hiatus. "Fallen" (Demo without vocals), is the first offering. And I must say perhaps the weakest. I cannot understand why bands need to put works in progress out for all to see. But that's just my opinion; perhaps there is some merit in doing so. The main riff is chunky and wouldn't be out of place on an Audioslave CD. I found that this track, which was obviously written to include vocals, turgid and without dynamics, basically because there are no vocals. "Water Over Me" (another demo), is better. A lovely bluesy riff looping through the track. Again, a need for vocals here and I would have liked the bass to be more to the fore, I think it would have given this slow, chilled tune a bit more heart. "Abridged" and "Forever Will Be Too..." offers more marvellous meaty riffs (how does he come up with them?). "Forever..." is almost punky in its vibe, whilst "Abridged" continues the Audioslave feel. Although I feel I've been (clumsily) critical of the Naira offerings, they are works in progess, and should be taken for what they are. I really do look forward to hearing the completed versions, and I must say that I would love to see these tracks played live. The riffs are crying out to be played in a hot, sweaty, packed venue, where I'm sure an audience would be thoroughly appreciative.
With Skyhaze, Steve takes on all instrumetal duties. This is Steve's more ambient side, all super-chilled and laid back. The two tracks on offer here "A Cry For Nothing" and "A Dream For Living" are sublime, beautifully crafted tunes, that seem to draw the listener into themselves requiring nothing more than subdued lighting and relaxation. Neither track would be out of place as a soundtrack to a cult arthouse black and white movie, but equally at home serving to set the mood for a chilled night in.
Munnkie moves the ambient feel in more funky, dance direction; "A Lie Not Spoken", if a little faster would not be out of place in Aiya Napa. Its catchy, melodic and moves progressively through to its finale. Fields with its menacing background keyboards and repetitive motif could surely be a dancefloor gem, and again highlights Steve's ability to come up with killer riffs and craft an excellent tune. "Ghosts Are Everywhere" and "The Darkness Surround..." are like the previous Munnkie offerings, multilayered but not over-crowded. Judiciously placed sounds and beats adding to the sense that these tunes were nutured with love and an undserstanding of musical composition.
Another change of direction for the DrownedABoveWater project. The first thing that stands out on this is that the tracks include vocals and on "A Belief That We Will.." almost Bowie-like in their inflection. I really like this track, there's so much to keep the listener interested, particularly the very understated guitar. The tracks fairly romps along. "Life Ends Where We..." starts off with a moody guitar interlaced with a dark foreboding backdrop which takes you on a journey through a musical soundscape that Mr Cowan is so obviously adept at creating. Play this track loud and it will render you senseless. Fantastic. "Vast Conductors..." is doomy in spite of a near indie guitar intro. My one comment on all of these tracks is that the vocals are almost hidden in the mix. Steve's voice, whilst not perhaps the most precise musically, is extremely well suited to the tunes and, almost plays as another instrument. The middle eight, work out in "Vast Conductors..." works so well, with the added (sampled?) vocals. "Dust Trails..." is simply excellent. No further comments needed. All the DAW tracks were created on his PC but don't come across as clinical or sterile, in fact they have a dynamic that is sadly missing in a lot of unsigned bands.
Prolific or not, each of the tracks presented by all of Steve's projects appear to be lovingly crafted, and its exciting (to me at least) that one person can work in different styles so easily (but still retaining their own signature).
So to finish, a question... Does Mr Cowan have a life or is he firmly connected to his PC, intravenously transferring his tunes to the machine and the virtual world beyond?
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Email: JD |
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This page was last updated Saturday, 24 March 2007
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