I have to admit; I’m a bit of a sucker for handmade things.
Particularly CD covers.
So when I picked up a copy of 24-year-old Steven Heath’s EP, I automatically liked it. And I’m aware that you really shouldn’t judge a book (or CD) by its cover, but to be fair, the guy can sing as well.
The EP, with its lino-print cover, arrived with a little note from Steven. It said, “The songs on this record are supposed to be heard at 3am; the lyrics are like a news report received during a nightmare. It’s a soundtrack for driving around the city at night.”
Couldn’t have put it better myself, actually.
It’s a slow, dark record; but within the four short tracks, you get this really strong feeling. A feeling that this was made for a reason. The simple melodies and actual music allow you to just sort of... fall into it. The harmonica on the third track, Industrial Lights, added a nice touch, as did the female vocals.
Heath has captured his style superbly. The laid-back, almost whispery vocals are beautiful, and there is no doubt that he will be received with open arms; particularly by fans of musicians from a similar style (M Ward, Andrew Bird).
Steven has been receiving airplay on Triple J and FBI – and it isn’t difficult to see why.
The Airport Fire is an interesting, well-crafted EP, and will surely take Heath places (no pun intended).
Grace Goodfellow