Blog Post
STEVE CONTE - ‘Shoot Out The Stars’
Single review by GMcA • 17 February 2024
Hot on the heels of a string of sold-out dates playing guitar with the Michael Monroe Band in Japan, New York-based guitarist and singer/songwriter Steve Conte has released the latest single from his next solo album, ‘The Concrete Jangle’ - which includes not one, not two, not three (bear with me, I’m getting there …), not four, but FIVE collaborations co-written with XTC’s, and power pop supremo, Andy Partridge. Not many can say that. And in the style of the voice-over intro to the late ‘70’s/early ‘80’s US TV comedy ‘Soap’ - “This is the story of two musicians who thought they might write some songs together. Not sure what this might sound like or why you need this in your life? You will do after this”.
Get the digital version of 'Shoot Out The Stars' here
‘Shoot Out The Stars’ starts with the song title spoken over fuzzy and warm big guitar chords. The fuzz continues as the melody of the opening verse rises above, carried forward by Steve’s vocals which are both gently sung and ooze attitude at the same time. Together this brings a glam-tinged strut and swagger to the song - just the right side of cocky and laying down more of a warm, lazy, cool and slightly psychedelic groove and vibe to the song. With the opening chords and verse provided by Andy, Steve’s written and distinctive soulfully-sung chorus follows.
Lyrically, Steve has said that the song is about nihilism and bored teens in Hollywood, and also involved Steve and Andy trading lyrics and lines throughout.
Approaching the three and a half minute mark and having overshot the three minute pop song, as they were obviously having too much fun to worry about this target, the song draws to a close with a refrain of “Shoot, shoot. Shoot, shoot the stars” which could just have easily been a “Shoop, shoop” and nobody would have minded such is the wonderful shape-shifting and cross-genre feel of the song.
Rocky, poppy, soulful and trippy, this song has it all (including use of a mellotron along the way) and is ridiculously well-constructed and conceived. Written from either sides of the Atlantic over Zoom, ‘Shoot Out The Stars’ is also a musical delight from start to finish providing a masterclass in power pop and collaborative song-writing, trading ideas, chords and lyrics to create a better whole.
In simple terms, a glorious fusion of soulful Anglo-American rocking power pop. Steve and Andy, stop teasing us and just release what could be one of the best musical collaborations in a LONG time.
Earlier this week Steve also revealed the artwork for his new album adapted and updated from his ‘Steve Conte NYC’ critically-acclaimed (and never far from my listening) album released in 2014.
‘Shoot Out The Stars’ is available now on the usual platforms and his album ‘The Concrete Jangle’ will be released on the (always cool) Wicked Cool Records on 20 April. Go get them.
GMcA