Review: Geoff Hurley – One Step Closer

GeoffHurley – One Step Closer (Independent)There’s a photo of Geoff Hurley on the front page ofhis Facebook profile where he looks the spitting image of Paul McCartney, soperhaps it’s appropriate that his solo debut album “One Step Closer” is chockfull of Beatle-esque power-pop and melodic radio-friendly rock. Also, in acareer where he’s written and produced for high profile artists like MaryWilson and Shalimar, and shared stages with Muddy Waters and CreedenceClearwater Revival, it’s high time he took the leap and released his ownrecord. For the album, he’s joined by a full band of musicians, including PeterStorm on lead guitar; Gary Strausbaugh plays keyboards and co-produces, andbass players Joe Salamone and Rich Kurtz alternate their services. Althoughthere’s not a household name amongst them, they all provide rock solid support,and Hurley’s songs and tunes get to soar.
It’s difficult not to be charmed by Hurley’s way witha rhyming couplet and a needle sharp hook. Lead single “Something Going On” lays out hisstall from the outset. Pristine guitar pop is often underrated, but when it’sdone well, it seems almost timeless, and here it’s done very well, indeed.Elsewhere on “One Step Closer” Hurley continues to hit highs; “I Need Somebody”reveals a Byrds / Roger McGuinn influence and “Anyone Can See” slows the pacewithout sacrificing an ounce of pop nous. Things are brought to a fittingconclusion with the six-minute “Calling Out to You”, its debt to post-Beatles’pop is undeniable, which is good news for fans of Badfinger, ’70s FM radio, “Ram”and “All Things Must Pass”.www.geoffhurley.comwww.facebook.com/geoffhurley.bandRob F.