Sometimes life takes a pause. Years fly by, the world changes beyond recognition, yet inside there remains a quiet voice that whispers, “Try again.” Steve Moss’s album “Another Go “– the story of such a return.

After 20 years of silence, Steve Moss returns to his instruments, crafting an album that evokes the golden age of music with nostalgic flair. “Another Go” was recorded at home, with Steve playing every instrument and taking on all the producer roles himself. This is an album about love, fears, change, and the determination to once again pursue a dream.

Photo by @stevemossmusic

No rush, no artificial magic, everything is made by one person’s hands. Steve’s music connects the past and the present, reviving nostalgia and giving it new life. “Another Go” is a reminder that after some time, you can start over and do it for real. From the ten tracks presented on the album, I want to highlight a few that particularly caught my attention.

I’ll start with the energetic and symbolic opening track “No Fear.” The striking chord bursts into the space with sharp guitar riffs and intense drumming. The cohesive sound of the track blends pop, rock, and subtle psychedelia – a style where the energy of melodies and lyrics find an amazing balance. The track reveals the complex process of growing up: from the carefree naivety of childhood to the realization of the grim complexity of the world. In the overall concept of the track, one can hear the bitterness of lost hope, fatigue from endless lies, and a sense of fragility before the scale of global catastrophes.

In turn, the track “One Less Thing (I Have To Worry About)” is attractive with its melodiousness, soft guitar chords, and harmonious vocals. It combines simplicity of form and emotional depth, characteristics of classic British pop music from the 1960s. The lyrics of the song are a philosophical reflection on human nature, where the protagonist engages in an internal struggle with his weaknesses. The view of oneself is devoid of illusions: the protagonist admits his flaws and realizes the weight of his own crisis. Yet, amid these dark thoughts, there is hope that the path to change is possible, and every step requires patience and strength. The sound of the album may initially seem unimpressive, but gradually one realizes its precision, balance, and lack of excess. “Another Go” arrives slowly but surely – with an overall meditative aura.

Particularly in the track “Overgrown,” I was struck by the guitar parts with their warm, intimate sound. This guitar tells its own story – sincere and somewhat vulnerable. But the true power of the song is revealed in its lyrics. It’s a story about accepting oneself, with roughness and imperfections, about searching for love that sees through it all. The vocals, rich in intonations and emotional accuracy, sound like songs freshly written. And it’s fascinating to listen to. The clear favorites of the album for me are the tracks “Gun Shy” and “Silver Day.” For example, “Gun Shy” stands out with its crystal-clear acoustic guitar sounds. The song delicately explores the fear of acknowledging one’s emotions, the fear of rejection, but carries a powerful call to overcome these doubts. As for “Silver Day,” for me, it’s without exaggeration, one of the most expressive tracks on the album in terms of creating atmosphere. The orchestration, with its soft emphasis on the cello, reveals the track at the right moment, without overloading it with unnecessary elements. It’s not an aggressive emotional impact but rather an intimate conversation with oneself and the world around. In “Silver Day,” one can feel the lightness and inexpressible beauty of fleeting moments.

The track “Exhausted” becomes the culmination of the entire album, carefully concluding this story and synthesizing all the emotions experienced in the previous tracks. Its sound is ascetic, but that is precisely its power. The hidden strength of the song is revealed in the subtle, almost imperceptible atmosphere, creating a sense of completion. “Exhausted” fits perfectly as the finale because it not only concludes but also leaves space for reflection.

By playing every instrument and avoiding the use of modern technologies, Steve demonstrates his confident step into the world of pop-prog with “Another Go.” This is a new chapter in his musical career, where he, as a master of intellectual rock, boldly ventures into more vibrant and melodic territories. The album beautifully combines elements of retro sounds, giving it a nostalgic touch, but despite this, the songs remain fresh and relevant. Steve has managed to preserve emotionality and originality, despite the shifts in style, making this album a revelation for his fans and an interesting step at the intersection of genres.

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