Stephen Connor and the band will be heading to the bright lights of London to perform as part of a 4 band line up at The Enterprise, Camden Town – Friday 3rd April 2015. The Enterprise in Camden is right opposite Chalk Farm Tube.

Ashtead, Surrey based Stephen Connor (Lead Vocal & Rhythm Guitar) with George McFarlane (Producer & Bass Guitar), Jordan Humber (Lead Guitar), Ashley Rushman (Drums) and Ross Griggs (Backing Vocals & Harmonies) have been working hard on their new album “FIGMENT OF IMAGINATION’. We had a listen:

Connor Stephens Band – Heady, boogie-on rhythms and plenty of energetic choruses…

It’s often forgotten that while Bay City Rollers were flying high in the UK charts with their amazingly successful cover of “Bye Bye Baby” The Ramones were making their first record deal. Or that the famous 100 Club Punk Festival was being organized as T.Rex (Futuristic Dragon) and Slade (Nobody’s Fools ) were still in the charts – and when Roxy Music was releasing their live album Viva!

There was an overlap between glam rock and punk rock that can be easily overlooked.

Glam Rockers kept their melodies short and tight (Metal Guru, for example, was cropped down to a mere 2.25) – just like punksters – and the instrumental prowess and the general ability of the artists in both camps was on even par (it would be an under-statement to say that these bands were not famed for their flamboyant artistry or virtuosity.) Now, everyone seems to think that glam and punk were poles apart. Yet, in reality, their family trees were often connected — with musical roots planted firmly in the fertilising goodness of old style rock ‘n’ roll.

The music of Connor Stephens seems to come from this place — from the moment in time where punk and glam crosses over. So expect some nostalgia from this band. It’s not the kind of place to look for innovations or avant-garde experimentation. But, for party rock, look no further.

The new album starts with ‘Loose Canon’ – a vintage sounding, wallowing rock ‘n’ roll number with a high number of “Mike” Chapman choppy riffs and the same kind of glam rock tightness one might associate with the Chinnichap forumla.

‘Renagede’ is a cascade of gushing guitars – this number jumps up and down and pogos with slightly more pent-up energy than the preceding track. And the fizzing drum-work creates some wet-your-pants excitement.

‘If Only She Knew’ has sneering nasal-toned vocals—  you will smile as you remember the trepidation that you felt in your pit… as you dared to cross the dance floor to get closer to the girl that you ‘fancied’.
This is lively and bubbly. And it will cause an eruption of Hand Jives. For sure.

‘Turn This Around’ reminds us of the Squeeze (sans Jools.) It’s a cool power-pop number with that eloquent sadness and forgotten innocence that you might associate with Glenn Tilbrook. And, naturally, this has a highly contagious chorus.

Final track on the “Figment” LP is the glam-rock and fairly metallic (clearly ‘Gallagher’ inspired)  number “Headshrinker”. This has pin-up sex appeal and enough arrogance to make you want to thrust your head high up into the stars, put on your stomping boots again… and get up and boogie with the best of them.

This is a fine collection of home grown punk / glam rock riffs – with heady, boogie-on rhythms and plenty of energetic choruses.

Words: @neilmach 2015 ©

Link: https://www.facebook.com/ConnorStephensMusic