I haven't been as involved with Rumbar Records reviews wise recently. It all got as bit too noisy for me. That's no reflection on the marvellous work that Lou does, I just largely cover the melodic side of life and the Garage Rock and Punk just got a bit too loud and a little samey.
That has changed recently with a couple of top notch albums released on the label, none more relevant than this. Kevin Stevenson has always been a rough gem. The Shods albums were always excellent, a little Punk, but very varied.
The Reality Alley songs have been on the go since 2016 or so and eventually came to fruition during a year that Stevenson spent in Athens, Greece, He hooked up with veteran Producer George Priniotakis and a bunch of Session Musicians and here is the outcome.
The results are revelatory. Firstly the production is big, something that Stevenson hasn't necessarily encountered before. Then the Studio Musicians are amazing, rounded off by a wonderful Revue style three piece Brass section.
Stevenson has always been a fine songwriter, which hasn't always been noticed die both his Punk reputation and previous production. Here the quality of the songs shines through with a mixture of the feel good and the street wise.
The Brass arrangements swing between Stax, Ska and Big Band. The likes of We Know Everyone sound very Dexys Geno Period. Lowell Night has a Pogues vibe and Brand New Day is pure Graham Parker. Children Of The Oaks is wonderful 60s Revue joy.
It isn't just about the Brass though. Wrong This Time has a splendid Country Twang, a rare big Ballad. It Was You is great Pop and Torr Skoog is ace New Wave. 13 is even Cinematic in a Commitments style. I Guess You Had Enough is fab Rhythm And Blues.
The stand out is probably Saturday Morning Coming Down, when the Brass combines with a pacey verse and a Southside Johnny chorus. Reality Alley is the real surprise album of 2022 for me. It really is a fantastic listen. It will feature high in the IDHAS Best of Year and is an essential for your collection.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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