Geoff
Hurley – One Step Closer (Independent)
There’s a photo of Geoff Hurley on the front page of
his Facebook profile where he looks the spitting image of Paul McCartney, so
perhaps it’s appropriate that his solo debut album “One Step Closer” is chock
full of Beatle-esque power-pop and melodic radio-friendly rock. Also, in a
career where he’s written and produced for high profile artists like Mary
Wilson and Shalimar, and shared stages with Muddy Waters and Creedence
Clearwater Revival, it’s high time he took the leap and released his own
record. For the album, he’s joined by a full band of musicians, including Peter
Storm on lead guitar; Gary Strausbaugh plays keyboards and co-produces, and
bass players Joe Salamone and Rich Kurtz alternate their services. Although
there’s not a household name amongst them, they all provide rock solid support,
and Hurley’s songs and tunes get to soar.
It’s difficult not to be charmed by Hurley’s way with
a rhyming couplet and a needle sharp hook. Lead single “Something Going On” lays out his
stall from the outset. Pristine guitar pop is often underrated, but when it’s
done well, it seems almost timeless, and here it’s done very well, indeed.
Elsewhere on “One Step Closer” Hurley continues to hit highs; “I Need Somebody”
reveals a Byrds / Roger McGuinn influence and “Anyone Can See” slows the pace
without sacrificing an ounce of pop nous. Things are brought to a fitting
conclusion with the six-minute “Calling Out to You”, its debt to post-Beatles’
pop is undeniable, which is good news for fans of Badfinger, ’70s FM radio, “Ram”
and “All Things Must Pass”.
Rob F.
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