Music
Press
by Sherri Prunier
11.12.06
Just about the time the electronic-pop music of Aqueduct was beginning to break in Seattle, a similar styled band was taking shape in David Terry’s hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Few could have imagined that somewhere in Tulsa, between the Will Rogers memorial and the Jazz Hall of Fame, would lie a breeding ground for eighties inspired synthetic beats – but like Aqueduct, the band known as Stevedore is finding success.
The trio of Stevedore is Jeff Richardson and brother Noah Richardson, along with Steve Sweetko. Jeff owns the band’s label, Hard Work Records. Each seems to have a signature eccentricity, from Jeff’s goggles to Noah’s raccoon hat. The band’s name remains a slight enigma, though I’m told a stevedore is someone who loads and unloads ship’s cargo from a dock (which may offer an explanation for their onstage uniforms).
Their four track EP, Almost Beautiful, rides New Wave past its latest revision and emerges in a newly generated world with a more layered structure, melodic rhythms, and faster beats.
There is a cheerful disposition derived from electronic groves; perhaps the sounds trigger nostalgic memories of childhood video games and happier times, maybe the music is just fun to dance to, or possibly the simplistic nature of the subject matter contributes to the sense of joy. Whatever the case, this atmosphere makes for wonderfully displaced irony in the anthem-like lyrics of “pure aggression / is what I want / pure aggression / is what I need” chanted through the third track.
Tiny Thoughts, a more instrumentally notable track, features a response to Terry’s “Pistols at Dawn” with: “I’ll tell you who wants to rock with Aqueduct / I do, and so should you / when they come to town, they’ll make everything ok.” While this is certainly agreeable, it’s the opening number of the EP that I’ve come to appreciate the most. Titled the same as the album, "Almost Beautiful" is a delightfully infectious song.
Stevedore has most recently shared the stage with Pretty Girls Make Graves and She Wants Revenge, and is sure to soon make a name for themselves beyond the Midwest.
More on Stevedore: www.stevedore.org / www.myspace.com/stevedore. - The Wig Fits All Heads
Discography
Cooking the Books of Love (Hard Work Records 2010)
Almost Beautiful (Hard Work Records 2005)
Stevedore (Hard Work Records 2003)
Photos
Bio
Stevedore is an electronic band from the Midwest, featuring rich, deep vocals in the vein of 80’s classics; Depeche Mode, Erasure and The Pet Shop Boys, while extending to modern acts such as The Postal Service.
Stevedore’s live show is one the highest energy, shout along, dance-riots to come around in ages. The music boasts solid song structure and a surprising lack of dance-floor fluff.
This is no wonder, considering the warm embrace the band has received from fellow indie rock hero;
Dave Terry (Aqueduct -Barsuk Records) who has described Stevedore as “Solid Gold”. In addition,
The prolific, indie-instrumental legend, Jonathon Ford (Unwed Sailor, Roadside Monument) has referred to Stevedore as “Authentic”. Ford is currently collaborating with Stevedore on their upcoming album "Cooking the books of Love"
Stevedore released their self titled EP on Hard Work Records in 2003, and immediately started hitting club dates with everyone from Aqueduct, to The Hero Factor, and Unwed Sailor. Stevedore has most recently performed with She Wants Revenge, Shiny Toy Guns, Kill Hannah, and indie legend; Jeremy Enigk.
The upcoming album "Cooking the Books of Love" is a perfect culmination of this rigorous schedule, with a feel of sheer excitement/unbelievability that is skyrocketing this band through the underground.
The closing line of the hit track "We Are Stevedore" says it best:
"With just one listen, you can’t get us out of your head".
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