Album Details

• Artist: Jonny Stevens
• Album: Jonny Stevens
• Label: indie
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2007-12-22

Jonny Stevens is late of the Halifax punk outfit The New Breed, and on his own he has mapped a different course for himself. Stevens plays shimmering power-pop with regular-guy short stories about life, love and loss. Power chords mix with a softer palate on ballads, and his smoky baritone adds bite and honesty. Ian Mosher’s keyboard work and Lionel Stanley on mandolin proved the most beer-worthy backup out of a long list of contributors, including three drummers.But it is Stevens who carries his own load, with that voice and Big Star guitar. “You Can’t Take Me,” “Fire From the Sky” and “Two Weeks Notice” are the true gems, but any of the dozen offerings here are solid and point to a promising future. Steven’s everyman persona is winning, and while this self-titled debut does not reinvent the wheel, it shows a poise and grace in its chosen road that makes this a great listen.

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