A few years back Polydor let Alex Parks go, and more recently this young fella, Paul Steel. Fortunately for Steel, he saw it as an opportunity to branch out on his own and follow his musical instincts. I wish Parks had done the same… Steel is a young man from Brighton with one acclaimed album already under his belt. Given some airplay I can see this new one taking off big-time.

A more radio-friendly, distinctive power-pop album you will not find. Steel wears his musical influences proudly on his sleeve, as you’ll hear as soon as you play the first song, ‘In A Coma.’ It’s the Beach Boys as clear as day and it really does sound as though the BBs have awoken out of a long, deep coma and carried on from where they left off with PET SOUNDS. What Steel has done here is to bring that sound into the 21st century; the rhythm is sharper and the vocal harmonies more dominating. Steel’s voice does cartwheels, and a powerful melody drives the song along to its final, surprising ending (a young lady weeping…). ‘Moon Rock’ is pretty much the same but with much sharper orchestration that includes, bass guitar, piano notes and orchestral strings in full flow over deep drum beats. The instrumental passage literally takes up half the song - a brilliant one. Piano beats out the rhythm to the next song,  ‘Oh No! Oh Yeah!’ until drums take over and Queen style vocal harmonies accompany another exuberant Steel effort. This is clever stuff. ‘I Will Make YOu Disappear’ is an easygoing ballad with another super-strong melody. The song’s retro feel even applies to the guitar which sound as though they have transferred from a Shadows album. More fabulous vocal harmonies and it’s another winner.

‘Rust & Dust’ reveals Steel’s voice in full, powerful, expressive flow in a sad, romantic and epic song. ‘The Way You Are’ is in similar contemplative mode despite choruses that soar off like a rocket. The instrumental vibe is also more thoughtful, the orchestrations quite brilliant. The song changes pace and mood several times; it’s adventurous, it’s extraordinary. ‘Your Loss’ takes on a more rocky feel and ends on a series of really weird sounds - this guy has a sense of humour… The remaining songs sustain the momentum and ends with the Beatles-esque ‘Get Away’ - one of the most epic songs here. Polydor really dropped one hell of a clanger with this guy.

I shouldn’t really like this album, but I bloody well do. After listening to it several time I’ve decided it bursts with pure, unadulturated and distinctive pop entertainment and is unlike anything I’ve heard. Sure, the Beach Boys, Queen, Grandaddy, Flaming Lips and the Beatles  are all there but this young singer/songwriter  has used those influences so cleverly to create one of the most surprising, distinctive and likeable albums of the year. You will love it too - I guarantee it!

4/5