published: 5 /
5 /
2020
Label:
Steo Wall
Format: CD
Irish wordmith and songwriter Steo Wall shares what’s important to us all with these songs and gives us an insight into his own life experiences and transformations
Review
Steo Wall is a new talent on the Irish music scene. His first album, 'Where I’m From', is an introduction to the man and his music. At times his songwriting is introspective and revelatory. It could be described as soul searching but it isn’t navel gazing. He wears his heart on his sleeve.
It’s this ability to share that takes his songs beyond the personal and into a place we can all recognise.
He is from Dublin, but moved West to North Clare to develop his music. He sings with his own accent, and he uses spoken and sung vocals with folk inspired melodies. He plays around with styles, showing the talents he’s developing. He is a work in progress.
He’s disarmingly honest and lyrics talk of drugs, pikeys and travellers. The sleeve notes are full of gratitude and thanks to family, friends and fellow musicians who have helped him get to where he is now from where he’s from.
"This album is literally the soundtrack to my life. It’s the trials and tribulations of my adolescence, the loss of identity and the journey back to self."
I love that the songs are so authentic and that he has such courage as a writer. There’s tough talk but there are also some of the most tender songs I have ever heard on this album, most notably 'Unborn Words', written to his not yet born son. This is the song Luka Bloom heard, resulting in his encouragement and support. He also plays on the album, along with Davy Spillane and Damien Dempsey.
Steo Wall can’t have imagined when he was writing and recording these songs that his album would be released in such strange times. So much of lockdown is about facing fears, reflecting on priorities and realising where love and support comes from in our lives.
He’s learnt the hard way and has transformed his life through his music and his open hearted approach. It’s something we can all appreciate and he deserves every success in the future.
Track Listing:-
1
Where I'm From
2
These Words
3
Sarah Doran
4
Lost in Nature
5
What's Wrong with the World Ma?
6
Best of Kin
7
Unborn Words
8
Jessie's Song
9
Original Bad Boy Material
10
Pikey Rap
11
Lil' Baby