Steve Wallis - Nothing Stays the Same Way for Long
by Julie Cruickshank
published: 8 / 11 / 2022

Label:
Steve Wallis
Format: CD
intro
Thoughtful and melancholic collection of songs from folk singer/songwriter Steve Wallis
Australian-born Steve Wallis relocated to Paris in 2014, to continue his journey performing solo his stark, honest songs, accompanying himself on guitar. A lucky break came in 2018 when his song ‘Melbourne Rain’ was featured in the multi-million selling PlayStation game ‘Detroit: Become Human’. Wallis’ peregrinations finally led him to Devon in England to record his debut, ‘Nothing Stays The Same Way For Long’, which, as the title suggests, reflects upon dealing with ever-changing relationships in an uncertain world. Opening song ‘The Loneliest’ sets the tone for the atmosphere of the album: a sparse, melancholy piece which combines guitar and piano to beguiling effect. ‘Mary’ continues the mood through guitar and languorous harmonica to create a sense of disconnect; “Walking around taking up space on the sidewalk” sings Walsh, “Looking for somebody to throw me a line/I got a trunk with all of my things in it/I got a bed on the floor of my best friend”. ‘Amsterdam’ is notable for beautiful, intricate guitar fingerpicking, and poetic lines such as “sunlight tangled in your hair”. ‘Her Name’ incorporates desultory piano and harmonica. The jaunty ‘Blue-eyed Annie’ injects a vein of humour: “Blue-eyed Annie oh Lord you’re pretty/ But I think your boyfriend wants to hit me/If you keep lookin’ at me like that”. ‘Waiting For Someday’ regrets time passing, lovely slide guitar rippling through like a distant echo. ‘Starting Tomorrow’ takes a wry look at attempts to get out of a rut and change old habits: “Every morning I wake up and say/Starting tomorrow.” The closing title track employs anthemic vocal harmonies to intensify this resigned, mournful lament to ever-shifting time: “We get older all at once/Before you notice it’s all gone/Time is slick like oil/It melts away like snow.” Recorded and mixed by Joe Boon, the album was mastered by Doug Van Sloun in Omaha, Nebraska. ‘Nothing Stays The Same Way For Long’ is a beautiful, accomplished debut, setting the bar high for Steve Wallis.
Track Listing:-
1 The Loneliest2 Mary
3 Amsterdam
4 Her Name
5 The Wolf
6 Blue-Eyed Annie
7 Waiting For Someday
8 Little Pearls of Water
9 Now I Don't
10 Starting Tomorrow
11 Nothing Stays The Same Way For Long
Band Links:-
https://www.stevewallismusic.com/https://www.facebook.com/stevewallismusic/
Play in YouTube:-
Have a Listen:-
interviews |
Interview (2022) |
![]() |
Australian singer-songwriter Steve Wallis talks to Julie Cruickshank about his debut solo album ‘Nothing Stays the Same Way for Long’, the challenges of living in Paris and his songwriting technique. |
bandcamp
most viewed articles
current edition
Pennyblackmusic - Writers and Photographers' Albums of the Year 2024Peter Perrett - In Dreams Begin Responsibilities Interview Part One
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Clive Langer - Interview
Pennyblackmusic - Book of the Year Award 2024
Johnnie Johnstone - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Reflections
Laura Nyro - Profile
Johny Brown - Corpse Flower
Vinyl Stories - Vinyl 2024
most viewed reviews
current edition
Dorie Jackson - Stupid Says RunRingo Starr - Look Up
Beabadoobee - This is How The World Moves
Pixie Lott - Encino
Dusty Springfield - The BBC Sessions
Unthanks - In Winter
Joan Armatrading - How Did This Happen and What Does It Mean?
Rosie Lowe - Lover, Other
Oïmiakon - Comptoir Des Vanites
Emily Burns - Die Happy
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart