Steve Mason - utterly brilliant, utterly beautiful, have a listen

Darkly introspective yet somehow uplifting, icy yet warm and delicate yet epic, Steve Mason's album "Boys Outside" is really really good. The mix of gentle acoustic guitar, electro beats, cool synths and orchestral washes conjures a mesmerising backdrop to Mason's soft vulnerable voice. Although no Guy Garvey, there is something in the way he communicates his emotions that reminds me of the great man. In fact a couple of times "Boys Outside" reminded me of Elbow, as well as a more human Massive Attack.

"Lost & Found" and "All Come Down" are up there with the best tracks I've heard this year.

Underneath the lovely sounds there is a real bleakness which some may find off-putting, but in with the despair there is a sense of acceptance and even fragile hope.

Anyway ignore what I say and have a listen yourself - the whole album can be streamed in OK quality from Steve Mason's site: http://www.stevemasontheartist.com/.

I've followed his Black Affair days and really liked the album 'Black Gold' when he was KIng Biscuit Time. I saw him supporting I am Kloot a few years ago. playing King Biscuit Time and some Beta band stuff too, was great!

There is a brilliant article with Steve in the newest Fly Magazine.
I will try and find it on the net and post.

You can read the article here, page 49.
http://www.the-fly.co.uk/media/magazine/7620/may-2010

Here are some tour dates:


THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS
'Album Sampler' (Warp)
Steve Mason Reveals New SingleMay 20 2010 2:25 pm, PIC: http://www.tomoldham.com/



Steve Mason has announced details of the release of a new single and some small shows and festival appearances.

The former Beta Band singer will release his new single, ‘Am I Just A Man’, through Double Six on July 26th. Mason also plays a handful of very special small shows in June leading up to a run of festival appearances over the summer. He will also shortly announce a full UK headline tour for the autumn. The full list of confirmed shows is below.

June

11 The Haymakers, Cambridge
12 Parklife Festival, Manchester
21 Static Art Studio, Liverpool
22 Cargo, London
24 Hanbury Ballroom, Brighton
25 Glastonbury Festival (Park Stage)

July

24 Truck Festival, Abingdon
25 The Applecart Festival, Shoreditch Park, London

August

12 Louisiana, Bristol
13 Summer Sundae Festival, Leicester
18 Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh
20 Green Man Festival, Brecon Beacons

September

4 Electric Picnic Festival, Ireland
11 Bestival, Isle of Wight