Nearly a decade in the making, this is no throw-away solo project, but an undertaking in exploring a love for our planet and its ecology. Vocalist, Jon Davison of YES supplies bass and backing vocals, with Dylan Howe on drums, whilst STEVE HOWE supplies vocals, keyboards, acoustic, electric and steel guitars. The album has five instrumental and five vocal tracks that are never overblown, with classic arrangements that keep you engaged throughout. Opener ‘Fulcrum‘, a gentle shuffle of a tune, welcomes you in with beautiful acoustic guitars complemented by lilting electronic lead guitar work. Second track ‘Beyond The Call‘, the first vocal track, picks up the pace with driving bass and drums and huge dual vocals complemented by catchy guitar work that could only be STEVE HOWE. ‘Love Is A River‘ is the real stand-out track with some immersive 12-string and steel guitar playing, accompanying dual-layered vocals reminiscent of Pink Floyd. This varied and tasteful album is packed with quality tunes and will not disappoint anyone who enjoys complex ‘Melodic Rock’ – not just for prog fans.
“I called the album ‘LOVE IS’ because it hints at the central idea that love is important but also love of the universe and the ecology of the world is very important,” says STEVE HOWE. “Alexander Humboldt went around the world and recognised we are destroying the planet but that was 200 years ago! We are still destroying the planet and, I suppose, my songs show the yearning I have for the love of nature and how beauty, art and music all stem from nature. There is a theme about those things, love, beauty, ecology, nature and wonderful people.”
“I’ve been singing for years, mainly in harmony but I’ve sung lead on lots of my own albums before and I feel that, as I’ve got older, I’ve got a grip on that and, hopefully, it’s improved over the years.”
Via BMG Records – The album will be available as a CD in a Gatefold Digi-sleeve with a 12 page booklet, and Black Vinyl 180gm LP with a Gatefold sleeve, Liner notes and Lyrics.
