Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews: Steve Costello – Vol. 1 (2013)

Jon Kirkman: Gary Brown CRR’s American Correspondent checks out a new artist. Steve Costello and his new album. More Here…

Date: 26 October 2013 – Classic Rock Radio (UK)

Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews
Special Edition – Future Classic Rock Stars
Spotlight: Steve Costello – Vol. 1 (Independent Music Artist – Steve Costello Music 2013)

By Gary “Uncle G” Brown
American Correspondent CCR (UK)

Nothing better than being turned on to a new musician(s) that you feel is worth the time and interest. The music we are familiar with we instinctively hold so dear and is a pleasure to listen to day in and day out, but getting over-exposed can cause burnout. Besides, in the nineteen seventies, it was said that variety was the spice of life. Regarding back then if I remember right to pertain to either human beings eating or sex habits. Maybe I just missed the music option? Certainly applies. New music keeps us alert, and all the time while searching for some good, we actually come across a young musician who is not only talented but more towards the scale of exceptional; Steve Costello.

Steve Costello is a musician that I learned of from the official Classic Rock Radio (UK) Facebook page. Just out of nowhere, I saw this post by fellow CRR (UK) colleague, Derek Watts, that motivated me to check out the web link that was included in Costello’s official YouTube station. I found Steve to be a guitar player who could rock the balls off a charging rhino, fifty paces away. The video of “Strat-o-matic” simply blew me away. Still does when I heard it today. A rocking, full-speed-ahead rock instrumental with in-your-face playing from all three musicians involved. Seriously had my attention, so much so that I did one of my daily columns on him. From there it was to his EP that’s a three-song instrumental extravaganza and the best thing you can buy on the Internet for three bucks. I dare you to find something that can find of equal entertainment, and especially for that price. Please know and understand, Steve’s an INDEPENDENT musician. So much for the middleman. I’ll say a word or two more about that before I’m finished. Time to move on to what’s most important; the music.

The Steve Costello Band (Steve and his other two bandmates) is Steve Costello (guitar, vocals), Kevin Barbe (bass), and Robert Sibony (drums). In my ears these guys are tight. Every track on Steve Costello’s Vol. 1 is performed brilliantly. The songs are all well-written. The album is produced by Steve Costello and co-produced by Robert Sibony, who also co-wrote with Steve three songs on the disc. All the rest are Costello compositions. I went old school and purchased the physical CD. Same old-school route when playing it…REAL LOUD on the home stereo. People walking past I’m sure could hear it as well. Has a proper rock and roll CD sound to it.

Track three entitled Lady Libra is the hook. The first two songs, ‘Too Late’ & ‘Risk’, reeled you in. Made you interested. Opened your mind as to what’s next. This is what followed; Lady Libra. The first song on Costello’s Vol. 1 that I stopped the CD, and pressed repeat. I just had to hear it again. Sometimes the mind can play tricks. Is it as good of a song as I thought it was? So I give it another spin. Most times I turn the volume up when going through this procedure. A great rock song with all the right riffs and attitude. Before it finishes I could hear a tad of Aerosmith influence. Towards the end of the song and before the chorus, it gets for a few seconds anyway sounding like early Aerosmith. A high-lite of the tune, I’d recommend riding that moment out some when playing the song live.

Balls to the wall, ‘Lie To Me’ takes it up a notch. Solid rocker !! Continuing in its footsteps is track five’s; Insane. Deserves radio play.

A song with a great drum intro and then a crunching rock riff leads off Prodigal Son. Like the songs previous, an infectious melody. Lyrics complement to the point where they can easily remembered. Prodigal Song is a power rock song that like track five’s Insane, easily deserves radio play. Steve’s vocal performance stands out as does the music involved. Nice playing guys !!

Track Seven is another favorite of mind; Evil. In the groove of a could be Led Zeppelin song. Someone should keep the vibe going. Costello’s guitar playing is good enough to be considered in the same ballpark as Jimmy Page. Another fine vocal delivery that just adds to the brilliance of the performance.

The last track is called, Took It All. A great closing song, that rocks throughout showing yet again what outstanding players and songwriters we have here.

ALERT —–>HIDDEN TRACK ALERT

At around the four-minute mark should you let the disc play after what you believed was the last track, you’ll start hearing this gritty instrumental filled with sound bits and done so superbly. Reminds me of Kevin Moore’s (ex-Dream Theater/OSI) work. When done correctly the audio samples and instrumental track combine and complement each other making for a cool listening experience. It’s just what happened here.

Uncle G’s Rating: Using the one to five-star rating system, I give Steve Costello – Vol. 1 – FIVE STARS!! Some of the BEST new up-and-rising talent I have heard in a LONG time. From here on out, I’m paying very close attention. Steve has the chops, along with his band, to be one of the best new rock bands to come out of Canada, since Nickelback (who I’m a casual fan of). Not as much pop rock, which I think will promote longevity.

ALERT —> INDEPENDENT ARTIST

Steve’s official website gives all kinds of information; lyrics, bio, contact info…the whole nine yards. That’s where you find information on how to BUY the following CD that I am now STRONGLY recommending you get. Especially if you’re one of those folks who always complain about today’s music scene. Supporting Steve and his bandmates sends a message. Mine is positive. Has a classic rock Led Zeppelin/The Kinks vibe, yet sounds very 2013. Shows LOTS of promise. If you climb on board the Steve Costello fan bandwagon, you’ll have bragging rights about how Uncle G turned you on to Steve, all the way back in ’13.

Official Steve Costello Web Links
Official Website: www.stevecostello.ca

Official YouTube Page
http://www.facebook.com/l/_AQFW8o9bAQEeavBMDDbAONDGBNjPtePJ5PbblzaKx1rnHg/www.youtube.com/user/SteveAlCostello

Official Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/stevecostellomusic

Feedback

22 November 2013 at 04:20 PM

Uncle G, you are spot on about Steve Costello!! I met Steve in London, England in 2009 when he won a Joe Bonamassa contest to sell the most Joe CDs and he won a trip to London to see Joe perform at the Royal Albert Hall. I actually took a picture of Steve on the day of Joe’s show (I am a BonaBuddy who traveled to the show myself)…fast forward to 2010-11. I reconnected with Steve in about 2010-11 and we became FB friends and when he started posting his own music (“Strat-O-Matic” and other vids), I was blown away by how talented he was! Who would have known such a quiet, shy kid could play like this!

I then saw the 2012 video Steve did with Elijah Wood (not the actor) called “Somnium.” If you haven’t checked that one out yet, do! It KICKS ASS! Steve was 20 in that video and Elijah was 16. I was impressed by their talent at such a young age.

Many more communications on FB with Steve showed that he was a humble, nice guy, who could play the hell out of the guitar and who has a wonderful, supportive family! I can hear “BonaFluence” (Joe Bonamassa) in Steve’s tone, and Steve’s riffs mixed with that tone just yank you off your feet and take you on a ride you don’t want to get off of!

I have always been blown away by Steve’s sound, style, and creativity. In 2013 in anticipation of the release of Steve’s independent debut CD (August 6, 2013), I became his Official Street Team Director. Check out the Street Team page on FB at www.facebook.com/stevecostellostreetteam. We have 125 official Street Team members worldwide (check out the ST map) who are also spreading the word about Steve and his music.

I enjoyed your review of “Steve Costello Vol. 1” because I totally agree with what you said and am so happy you love his music and are spreading the word. As an independent artist, to have this tight of a debut CD is impressive indeed.

My favorite song is Lady Libra, oh wait, I mean it’s Evil, no, ummmm, it’s Took It All, wait-wait, ummm it’s Prodigal So! Damn! They are all so good I love ’em all!

Keep up the good work Uncle G and hopefully, we’ll see you “LIKE” Steve’s pages AND may see you at a show one day soon!

Kitty

End of Story

Website Maintenance aka Opportunity Knocks

Help Keep the Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives Online

Uncle G’s Tip Jar

Pardon me. Before you leave. Could you help out an aging altar boy? Boy Scout? An almost always penniless, freelance writer? If possible and not struggling yourself, whatever you can donate big or small is more than welcome and very appreciated.

Coming Soon: Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives Merchandise; Tee Shirt(s) – Keychain(s) – Coffee Mugs – Umbrellas (Staying dry with “Uncle G”).

Thanks for visiting. You ROCK! Don’t forget to bookmark the Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives, and keep coming back.

Oh…one last thing. The Gary “Uncle G” Brown Archives doesn’t advertise. Way too expensive! Simply, can’t afford it! This ideal costs nothing but your time, and it would help a great deal. Sharing links and positive word of mouth about the website means the world to the author. Please do, if possible. Odds are it will yield positive results. And thanks, again. Your favorite “Uncle G” would be very grateful.