Newman/Under Southern Skies cd

Newman where formed in 1997 by Singer/Guitarist Steve Newman. He enlisted the help of Mark Mulholland (Drums) and William Marshall (Bass) for the first self titled album which was subsequently released in Germany that following year.

In 1999 Newman signed to a British label for a four album deal which spawned the albums “One Step Closer”, “Dance In The Fire”, “Sign Of The Modern Times” and “Heaven Knows”. The first of which saw the title track “One Step Closer” chart in Japan. Those albums established Newman as one of the top UK rock bands with a reputation for producing well crafted melodic rock. In 2006 Steve parted ways with his label and formed his own venture Chrome Dome Records. Later in 2007 “Primitive Soul” was released to great reviews around the globe and was followed in 2008 with the double CD “Decade”. A sort of retrospective look back since the band where formed.

Steve then worked towards re-establishing the live band by recruiting Neil Richardson (Guitar), Paul Boyle (Keyboards), Nic Lipscombe (Drums), and Terry Horne (Bass). In 2009 the band played the Z Rock Festival and supported John Waite on his UK Tour. 2010 saw the release of “The Art Of Balance”, which was in my top 10 of last year.
The band, with new bassist Dave Bartlett played various shows to support the new album including the Cambridge Rock Festival and after enlisting the talents of a new Guitarist in Shaun Bessant the band where asked to play at the prestigious Firefest Festival last year and a CD/DVD was recorded for future release.

This new release shows off Steve’s uncanny knack of producing quality hook laden, melodic rock and follows on nicely from the massive, in my opinion any way, “The art of balance”.
This however is just that little bit better, better melodies, better hooks, better songwriting and better production. From the hard rock sound of “She’s Gone’ to the melodic mastery of “Fire With Fire’ the quality never falters. This is more of a slow burn, than an raging inferno, you have to give it a few listens to appreciate it.
Another strong release from one of Britain’s best singer/songwriters.

Solid effort 7/10

Line Up:
Steve Newman : Vocals, Guitar, and Keyboards
Rob McEwen : Drums & Percussion
Shaun Bessant : Lead Guitar on “If He Loves You”

Tracklist:
Killing Me
If He Loves You
Under Southern Skies
Strength To Carry On
Ghost In The Night
Without Warning
She’s Gone
Fire With Fire
Save No Prisoners
Wish You Were Here
Montserrat

Find Newman on the web Here