Facebook [Release date 04.12.20]

Steve Balsamo has unearthed these songs during lockdown that were recorded back at the start of the millennium as the album title suggests. Balsamo worked with Micky Lister on these songs. Lister was signed back in the day with a band called The Truth with Dennis Greaves from Nine Below Zero and they toured America, played Top Of The Pops and were managed by The Police’s manager, Miles Copeland.

Eight songs, just over 35 minutes and definitely quality over quantity. There is a touch of gospel on ‘If Heaven Knows’, blissful pop on ‘Gravity’ and Steve Balsamo showing his undoubted vocal talents on ‘Rise’.

The sound quality is spot on, with strings used liberally throughout the album and the arrangements allow the vocals to take centre stage – just listen to ‘Down In The Colourfield’ for proof.

Quite why Steve Balsamo isn’t a household name is beyond me, as a song like ‘Weightless’ should be all over daytime radio. ‘Save Me’ is another, a hypnotic piano riff, swirling strings and impassioned vocals. Pop that is easy on the ear but never bland.

Listening to this, or indeed any music that resonates with you, is why music is such an important and integral part of people’s lives, particularly in 2020. Stunning and so glad it has been given a release. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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