About The Light

“About The Light” Steve Mason
Guitar-driven indie pop-rock and alt rock. Scotland’s Steve Mason was lead singer for The Beta Band, a successful UK band with three studio albums from 1999 to the mid-2000s. Mason embarked on a solo career in 2010 and “About The Light” is his fourth solo release. This is the most exuberant and uplifting of Mason’s career after he relocated from Fife to Brighton, entered into a relationship and became a dad. An outstanding collection of 1990s-flavored Brit pop-rock.
— Francis D.

Recommended: 6, 9, 2, 1, 4, 8. No FCCs detected.

1. (3:43) America Is Your Boyfriend — Big, up-tempo, brass-embellished pop-rock. Rollicking guitar, with cowbell! Wry commentary on British-American relations: “This is the lie. This is the smile. America is your boyfriend.” ***
2. (4:58) Rocket — Leisurely walk with a trip-hop beat through a catchy guitar-driven melody. Bright vocals in a high register with warm harmonies, melodica and a touch of brass (reminiscent of a Van Morrison ballad). Clock-like piano at the end. ***
3. (3:10) No Clue — Up-tempo, jangly guitar-rock. Call-and-response vocals, with harmonies. A real goer.
4. (4:27) About The Light — Soulful and bluesy rock. Piano. Blues guitar. Simple rhythm. Gospel singers on harmonies. Playful and jammy. ***
5. (4:39) Fox On The Rooftop — Slightly eerie and atmospheric, with Mason’s unique harmonies and twinkling, bell-like vibraphone or synths.
6. (4:06) Stars Around My Heart — Strutting, march-like tune, with sharp guitar riffs and piano. Powerful, doubled lead vocals. Rich harmonies in the chorus. Brass as well. ****
7. (3:31) Spanish Brigade — Chugging guitar rock. Throwback to a 1970s-era sound.
8. (3:58) Don’t Know Where — Pensive and thoughtful. Reverbed vocals, breathy at times. Starts with spare instrumentation. Transitions to a simple, lilting ballad. ***
9. (3:41) Walking Away From Love — 60s-era, Bo Diddley-esque rock sensibilities, but with rich harmonies and a melodic piano-driven lead break. Hoppin’ rock ‘n’ roll with handclaps. Great guitar work. ****
10. (3:45) The End — Uplifting, bouncy pop-rock, dripping with rich harmonies. Liberal use of brass to supplement the accomplished guitar work, bass and drums.