Tim Steward - How Does It End (Album)
Tim Steward’s work with Screamfeeder and more recently, The Whats will be instantly recognizable but don’t be mistaken into thinking that his debut solo effort, How Does It End, is a compilation of tracks that didn’t quite make it onto his main projects play lists.
More to the point is that he finally found the time to get them together, out of his home, into the studio and onto plastic This is a five year project that has finally come to fruition and having to juggle two bands, a day job and, as with all of us, life in general, that’s no mean feat.
The album allows focus on Tim’s familiar vocals and accordingly, his skill with words. With the vox pushed slightly forward by way of softer musical arrangement, it allows a greater emphasis on Steward’s lyrical efforts. Together with his easy toned delivery of those lines, you are left with a soft inner glow and a smile on your face.
Instilling an easy, reflective mood throughout it’s eleven tracks, the cd maintains a character that would be recognizable with fans of certain tracks scattered throughout the Screamfeeder catalogue, yet the subtle pop sensibilities contained within are definitely their own.
Drawing on songs penned predominantly over the last six years and while it is a solo release, he has called in a few favours from some familiar friends in many aspects of the record.
Fellow Screamfeeder members Kellie Lloyd and Dean Shwereb lend a hand on the odd track and the production duties are spread between some of the countries best in Connolly, Maddock, Magoo and Moorehead.
Whether it’s the upbeat acoustic tones in The Sun Is Beginning To Rise, the hauntingly beautiful Maybe, with it’s emotive cello tugging at you, the string infused Sign From A Star or the lo-fi electro pop of Law For Yourself, you are left with a certain cosiness; some kind of warm ‘security blanket’ feeling.
Not The Same, with it’s off kilter beat and What Are You Doing To Me, with slightly warmed guitars woven throughout, are as close as you’re likely to get in drawing a line to a Screamfeeder reference, apart from Tim’s singing of course.
Again, they leave a feeling of contentment, a reassurance that everything is ok.
Stirring and creating emotions: isn’t that what it’s all about.
The fact that they are good emotions, that’s a bonus.
