Never Heavy – ‘Never Heavy Is One Full of Light’ [Album Review]

Never Heavy, the solo project of guitarist/singer-songwriter Steve Alex, who is frontman, guitarist, and principal songwriter for alt-rock outfit Four Star Riot, has released his sophomore album, Never Heavy Is One Full of Light.

Where Four Star Riot’s sound is thicker and rawer, Never Heavy’s sound is probably best described as space-rock/garage-pop, with a tendency toward introspection.

Of the ten tracks on Never Heavy Is One Full of Light, standouts include “Bottle the Sun,” a meandering, grungy tune with tints of SoCal country rock running through it. The vocals, vaguely reminiscent of Mick Jagger, reveal a drawling roll that’s evocative and easy to listen to.

“On the Go,” which Alex describes as “makeups and breakups, long nights and gossip, trying to make it right after a fight,” features a gently undulating flow that summons up moods of remorse and longing.

A personal favourite because of its simple, beguiling intro, “Too Involved” narrates the selfishness most of us become trapped in – doing our thing while missing out on life’s small, important moments. There’s an aching vulnerability, almost a penance, to the vocals that’s emotionally overwhelming.

Initially slow and melancholic, when “Low and High” elevates to dark, dirty layers of guitar, it takes on shadowy, alluring aspects. Whereas “Good One” ushers in the hollow, faux liveliness of “the denial on the wrong end of a surprise breakup.” The lyrics simultaneously belie and expose the deep pain underneath.

Never Heavy, photo by Ben Halifax

A soft instrumental tune, “Owl” closes the album out with beautiful, affecting poignancy. There’s a delicious, haunting quality to the song, at once a bit sad, tender, and nostalgic.

On a bewitching record that’s also unexpectedly pretty on one level, Never Heavy Is One Full of Light explores all manner of human feelings.

Never Heavy Is One Full of Light Track Listing:

1. Bottle the Sun
2. On the Go
3. Anything More
4. Too Involved
5. Lost With You
6. Low and High
7. I Suppose
8. Home
9. Good One
10. Owl

Run Time: 26:31
Release Date: August 30, 2024
Record Label: Vital Records