Album Notes

'Dip' is the first solo album by this elusive British musician and artist Steve Gears which finally made it with the help and support of friends fans such as Colin Newman (Wire), Jamie Crossley (Sonica Grande), Karl Mc Ginley (Basie V.Vebster) and a background of dub experimentalism, punk, electronica and arts projects involving performance and communications. Steve's debut was always going to be a unique experience but nothing could have prepared even his most ardent fans for this. 'Dip' is going to surprise many by taking a sharp left turn into powerful mysterious songs and soundscapes topped with swooningly beautiful melodies and enigmatic lyrics delivered in his own deadpan style. For once we have an 'artistically valid' record, which is also a great listen, challenging yet beautiful, melodic but not crass and powerful but without being simplistic or dumb. The beautiful and entrancing peace of 'Dip' is shared and contended by a lush feeling of loneliness and a tasty aesthetic of romanticism. In no specific order a list of influences may include David Byrne, Daniel Lanois, David Bowie, Gary Neuman, Brian Eno, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Mick Harris, Deadbeat, Minimal Compact, Wire and MANY others but, it is all vague and mystified, restrained and evened out. Smoothing the edges and straightening the surface to allow for the softest ride along the waves of stringed arpeggios, the intimacy of a small orchestration, the coagulation of ethereal loops, the laid back and shy beats and the visionary vocals (his very own warm and lyrical interpretations occasionally caressed by female background) who are really the focus of this modernized-retro-beauty compositional effort.