Molecular Steve
Strolling Bones, 2024
10/10
The debut from the Austin outfit Molecular Steve, these 14 songs present an unclassifiable version of indie-rock, where few ideas are off the table, which is very much appreciated.
“Heavens To Betsy” starts the listen with bouncing drums amid the melodic guitars and smooth singing from Steve, and “Last Of His Kind” follows with thick guitar and a playful ruggedness that benefits much from a tuneful demeanor.
Closer to the middle, “Agamemnon” welcomes acoustic strumming and rich layers for a very distinct climate, while “It’s On” is both bare and busy, as crashing drums and swirling guitar make this the album’s best.
Further still, “Fair Enough” spotlights the playful rhythm section and Steve’s meticulous guitar via the memorable keys from Patrick Byrd, and “Lost In The Weather” exits with a heartfelt and intimate acoustic moment that even welcomes strings from Byrd for a particularly dreamy finish.
A project that began as a father and son collaboration, the songs grew into a much larger ensemble, where members of Prescott Curlywolf, The Damnations and The Meat Puppets, plus others, are in attendance, and they make for plenty of hooks via a mashing of indie, alt, punk and roots rock that sure doesn’t disappoint.
Travels well with: The W Lovers- For A Day Or A Lifetime; Tucker Woods- Sunshine Blues