Sydney singer/song writer Steve McNaughton’s second album and 3rd CD, is probably his best to date, with songs that encompass solid radio-friendly hooks and some definite groove and attitude! The opening title-track ‘Storm Chaser’ was inspired by Scott Currens and other storm chasers. It is a high energy rock song that fully captures the fury of nature when the plains turn violent across the United States’ mid-west. The associated music video clip gives a unique insight into the chasers’ pursuits when the weather hots up. ‘Gimme Something’ is a simple but brilliant pub rocker which forcefully puts the question you ask of someone who’s been screwing you long term! The style of ‘The Devils in the Detail’ is distinctly The Who, yet the album keeps you guessing with some Mowtown numbers featuring excellent saxophone. Other tracks of note include the smooth blues styled ‘Dreaming’ which showcases Angus Steventon’s keyboard playing, and the slightly funky/reggae ‘Ode to Odette’. There is also the anthem-like ‘Eyes of a Child’ and the classic rock song ‘Can’t Rock Any Harder’. Australian artist Steve McNaughton has earned high praise as one of Sydney’s best contemporary rock songwriters, whilst achieving independent chart success and much overseas airplay. His music varies from solid radio friendly hooks’ to passionate, upfront and personal material. His 3rd CD, the Storm Chaser album is by far his best to date. The opening title-track Storm Chaser is a high energy rock song that fully captures the fury of nature across the United States’ Mid-West. The brass kicks arse at the start of Crawl Before You Walk, which then breaks into a ska bluebeat feel, followed by an extremely hooky chorus. “If this is not a hit, or if someone doesn’t cover it, the world is definitely nuts!” (Gavin Fitzgerald, Songwriting Society of Australia) The anthem-like Eyes Of A Child features a military style foot stomping rhythm with a message. A great chorus that could be sung by a multitude, with universal thoughts and ideas encapsulated in one song. The juxtaposition of innocence against the real world. Album Reviews From Skope Magazine (Skopemag.com) Steve McNaughton, Storm Chaser October 14, 2011 | by Skope This Australian rocker has been making waves out of Sydney for awhile now. He is increasingly making a worldwide presence across the map. His latest release, Storm Chaser is an earth moving experience. If you turn on the CD and close your eyes you could almost mistake his vocals for the legendary Elvis Costello. There seems to be a clear influence from that era. The CD is full of up tempo contagious tunes. The instrumentation is a good companion to solid, well written lyrics. The production takes some interesting turns with killer background vocals that really drive a couple of the songs. The CD starts off with a futuristic dreamy synthesized sound. The title track erupts in your ears and drives your adrenaline to levels never reached before. He has a good understanding of musical composition. Or maybe it all comes naturally. Regardless the resource it works pretty damn good. My Favourite track is the song titled, “Can’t Rock Any Harder”. It is clever lyrically and the music compliments his cleverness with even more intelligent infusion. Then he slips in a cover tune by, Eagle Eye Cherry; just when you think this CD can’t get any cooler, he pulls off a great rendition of a real classic. There are a couple tunes that are reminiscent of the Talking Heads. between his Costello and Talking Heads similarities, it is interesting how his sound is so highly influenced by two musicians I respect the most. Good on ya Steve. In a world of every day mundane routines, I suggest you go chase some storms with Steve McNaughton. Never a dull moment as long as his music fills the room. Wildy's World Thursday, February 4, 2010 Review: Steve McNaughton - Storm Chaser Steve McNaughton - Storm Chaser 2009, Regal Records Sydney, Australia's Steve McNaughton has gained a certain amount of security in his career as a performer and songwriter. He is a regular of the Big Backyard Samplers; his songs have garnered airplay in Australia, Europe and the US, and his songs have been covered by established artists in Australia and elsewhere. McNaughton has had several songs achieve minor hit status, but still lacks that one big breakout album or song. McNaughton makes his next run at that big break with his latest album, Storm Chaser. McNaughton opens with the title track, full of decent sound and movement. Storm Chaser comes off as a bit awkward in the lyrics department but works nonetheless. McNaughton seems to struggle on the lyrics side of things throughout Storm Chaser, creating solid rock arrangements that are help back by sometimes weak attempts to glue phrases together that often don't quite fit right. The Devil's In The Detail is a fine example; a strong musical offering featuring trite, almost sophomoric lyrics. Don't Tell Mama is a catchy and cute tune, done up in Motown styling. It's a personal favorite from Storm Chaser but may not play as well to the general public. On Crawl Before You Walk, McNaughton keeps the 1960's flavor while flipping over to the Pop side of the spectrum. The melody and arrangement here are solid.The best track on the disc is the bluesy Dreaming. McNaughton opens up with the six-string and shows off some exciting solo work. Storm Chaser doesn't so much fall apart at this point as simply wind down. Ode To Odette is a decent offering with a Caribbean feel that is built on a solid sound but continues with the awkward lyric marriage. Things get bland enough that even a cover of Eagle Eye Cherry's Save Tonight doesn't liven things up much. McNaughton closes out with Eyes Of A Child, a look back at the glory days of youth. The song is a bit hokey and repetitive in the chorus but has its merits. Steve McNaughton scores some definite points with Storm Chaser and winds up with a solid if not earth-shattering album. McNaughton definitely has an ear for melody as well as for enjoyable and solid Rock arrangements, but struggles enough on the lyrics to his new songs that a collaborator might be advisable in the future. Storm Chaser is worthy of some of your time, bumps and all. Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)