Steve Smyth has achieved a great deal in a short amount of time, garnering the attention of everyone from The Killers to John C. Reilly. He’s also the kind of performer who works best when he’s absolutely hitting for the fences – when he lets loose his bloodcurdling blues howls, he’s up there as one of the finest voices in contemporary Australian folk. Live, it’s sensational, to the point where it’s sent him across the globe for others to hear it.
This lightning in a bottle, however, is sadly yet to be properly captured on his studio material. There are a few ripper tunes among the batch that make up his second album, particularly the Tom Waits homage ‘Get On’ and the swaying balladry of ‘South Land’. Too much of the album, however, is spent on quiet, gentle crooners, which, while performed capably, seem untoward from the man who should be blowing up the PA purely with the power of his own voice.
Don’t hesitate for a second about seeing Steve Smyth live – that remains an untouchable and often unforgettable experience. Perhaps, however, you shouldn’t rush back to the merch desk to pick up the album.
3.5/5.
Exitsis out Friday September 5 through Ivy League.
