Newman – “Siren” (AOR Heaven)
Guess this proves that if you want to do something right, then do it yourself….and Steve Newman has for the last 20 years where he has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s most respected AOR songwriters! Beyond that he has started his own label – Chrome Dome – and been involved in numerous projects such that the Newman name has become a mainstay for the UK melodic rock scene. “Siren” is his 10th anniversary album and shows no let up in the man’s talents, aptly taking influences from the whole of his career. As usual, Steve handles the bulk of the song writing and playing although he has notable guests to enhance the sound from Robert Säll (Work Of Art, W.E.T) to Pete Newdeck (Eden’s Curse, Tainted Nation) helping out on the composing. Together they have produced a fine, stylish album made up of sultry rockers from the Whitesnake like ‘Another Bitch Of A Night’ to the anthemic Survivor-esque ‘When It Comes To Love’ or the Journey like ‘Feel Her Again’. Whilst the overall feel is that of the 80s I don’t find issue in that as it probably was the golden era for this genre and it’s great to see a pioneer like Steve Newman continuing that legacy in his own talented right.
