Band : Newman
Album title : Under Southern Skies
Label : AOR Heaven
Distributor : Rough Trade Benelux.
Release date : 23/09/2011
Release : CD

Newman, the guy, and the band, have so to say surfaced in 1997, and released their first album some time later.  After signing to a British label 4 albums in total were released.   In 2006 however their ways parted and he created his own company Chrome Dome Records, on which he released his previous album The Art Of Balance.

For this new album he has struck a deal with AOR Records.  Just like before he played as many instruments as he could himself, but he did get the aid of Rob McEwen on drums, and Shaun Bessant playing lead guitar on the track "If He Loves You".

If you’re into melodic rock, then this is a great album for you.  Steve has an agreeable, strong voice, the songs are well crafted, with just the right dose of melody, while in some songs the harder side of AOR is touched (just listen to the opening song "Killing Me").  All songs are quite pleasing to the ear, and while not leaving a lasting impression perhaps, the album is over before you know it, without leaving the impression that you’ve wasted your time.

96/100

Erik Morren.