Labels: self released
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Every 3 years, a Santiago Steps album arrives, for Collective to review. From a perusal of the previous reviews, it seems I enjoyed the first one, Ian Scanlon wasn’t that taken with the second one, and this one is Okay Okay Okay. They crank out a varied mix of songs across 11 tracks, generally leaning on pleasant pop sounds amidst the obvious indie-ness. At times it makes me think of Jejune, particuarly on the standout track “Love is Small” where the guitars ring out. Carolyn Davidson’s vocals are pretty similar to those of Araby Harrison at times. The song eases between speeds very pleasantly, roughing things up with a little distortion on the vocals. Other tracks are lighter, with harmonised male and female vocals. And others tread power pop ground, such as the rapid “Breaking Ranks” which fuzzes away excitedly. So you get the picture. Santiago Steps self release everything and are decidely old school indie, DIY, savvy, a little bit ragged when the mood takes them and generally a good, solid listen. They are not breaking any new ground but I don’t think that’s their mission in life. It’s nice to check in with the band again after several years, and I have no doubt that in 2011, there’ll be another CD dropping on the doormat at the C. They’ve done pretty well actually, I’ve lived at a different address each time one of these CDs has been sent, and each time it’s arrived safely. Kudos to the Santiago Steps!