Steve Conte gained popularity on the music scene in the early 2000s as the lead guitarist for the New York Dolls during their reunion tours. Throughout his career, he has played with a plethora of big names – including Michael Monroe, Willy DeVille, and Paul Simon. Despite his extensive collaborations, he’s continued to release solo material, showcasing his versatility and commitment to his personal artistry. In April, he released his latest album, The Concrete Jangle, which remains as one of our standout favourites of 2024.
Steve is renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend different genres, and this album is a perfect showcase of that talent. Adding a unique layer to its diverse sound, it starts with five tracks that that were co-written with Andy Partridge of XTC. The playful ‘Fourth of July’ sets the stage, leading into the raw and edgy ‘Hey Hey Hey (Aren’t You The One)’. Driven by an infectious guitar riff, this track is a sultry rock number with a compelling rhythm and a melodic guitar solo that showcases Steve’s exceptional talent.
Scuzzy from the start, ‘We Like It’ features backing vocals on the hooks from sixty of Steve’s famous friends, including the legendary Glen Matlock. The song, which critiques a politician’s wild promises, is particularly notable for Steve’s unique approach, delivering the verses in an almost spoken word style. ‘Shoot Out The Stars’ follows with a more relaxed vibe compared to its predecessor, thanks to its gentle melody and soulful lyrics. However, Steve’s swaggering guitar gives it the edge that makes it stand out as a compelling single.
Two of the album’s standout tracks are ‘One Last Bell’ and ‘Motor City Love Machine’. The former, possibly the most XTC-sounding song on the record, opens with a solemn bell ringing before Steve’s smooth vocals come in. Enhanced by an uplifting trumpet, the track features an exceptionally creative arrangement. In contrast, the blistering ‘Motor City Love Machine’ is an anthemic rock anthem with a groove that practically compels the listener to move. A masterpiece that’s poised to shine in a live setting, ‘All Tied Up’ follows. Emotive from the start, with both vocals and guitar contributing to its depth, the track reaches its peak when it transitions into the bridge, stripping down to just Steve’s soulful voice, accompanied solely by drums.
As we approach the final tracks of the album, the quality remains high, though the pace slows with ‘Decomposing A Song For You’. Driven by a steady beat and subdued vocals, it narrates a tale of a relationship gone awry, with a solo trumpet adding a poignant touch. Things don’t stay low key for long, and ‘Girl With No Name’ packs one hell of a punch. The catchy pop track is special in more ways than one as not only does it feature Steve’s son, Zia, on backing vocals, but the video also stars his wife, Hadda. The album concludes with the melodic ‘I Dream Her’ – a heartfelt tribute to Steve’s cousin Erin, whose life was tragically cut short by addiction. Evocative from start to finish, it closes the album on a dreamy note with a deeply emotional guitar solo by Steve, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s greatest—yet often underrated—guitarists.
Oozing with energy and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, The Concrete Jangle is sure to captivate fans from every era of Steve’s triumphant career. Potentially his best album to date, it’s elevated to new heights by the remarkable songwriting chemistry between him and Andy.
