Music
Press
Stovetop's new album:Now,Now is a reminder of what a pleasure it actually is being a music journalist. One forgets, sometimes, inundated with the detritus of the music industry, that there are people out there playing together for the sheer love of their art and Melbourne three piece Stovetop are nothing short of heroes in that field. Stunningly beautiful and thought provoking lyrics, couched in a delicious soul/funk aesthetic, with the peculiar quality of being both strikingly original and comfortingly famiiar, this band make music that will stay with you, like an ever faithful lover, long after your arse has stopped shaking to their infectious sounds" - Inpress Magazine 7/6/06
Imagine you want to show that significant someone a groovy night of soft lights,a few drinks and some slow dancing.Well,Melbourne trio Stovetop have the soundtrack with their debut long player.Sim Martin on guitar,Elvis Aljus on drums and Simon Burke on keyboards and lead vocals have the sweet and nasty funky Memphis soul sounds of stax records down pat.Opening track 'See you' is a show stopper,establishing the bands wonderful guitar/organ interplay and showcasing Burke's sultry style.Track 2, Take time,throws a taste of pale faced reggae into the mix and probably doesn't work in the ten song package. The record was reportedly done in three days,many of the numbers laid down in single takes, and it lends some rawness to what is otherwise a mannered set. From track three onwards the songs alternate between instrumentals and vocals,which gives a nice effect but can go off the simmer.That said,instumentals 'Kitten in a blender' and 'Dash for cash' are terrific Isaac Hayes-inspired groovers. Covers of Curtis Mayfield's 'I'm the one who loves you' and an inspired rendition of the Bee gees' 'To love somebody' lift the mix. - the age newspaper melbourne aus
It seems strange that one of Melbourne's strongest male singers has spent years hidden behind the keyboard playing with bands such as Something for Kate, BOMBA, Matt Walker & The Necessary Few, but Simon Burke never felt he was born to be a front man.
But on his band Stovetop debut album, There, There his powerful soul voice, which sounds more Memphis than Melbourne, finally comes to the forefront.
One person who has witnessed the rise of Burke as a vocalist is local soul singer Kerri Simpson.
"he's singing has really come a long way" she said he's brilliant on a song like-"Ain't No love". his voice is relaxed but with plenty of balls and sex appeal". I think he's going to end up being one of the best voices in this Country",
There, There is an update on the early stax records soul sound. Out the front in the mix is Burke's voice, dripping with soul & blues. While singing he plays wurlitzer electric piano with his right hand and pumps out bass grooves with his left. It is imbued with the sweet feel guitar of Sim Martin". - The Age- Patrick Donovan
Discography
EP-Stovetop-1996
Debut Album-"There, There"-2004
New Album-"Now,Now"-2006
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Stovetop are a three piece Melbourne/Australian band, with a distinctive sound an addictive groove. The music warm & Melodic.And takes you on a Kaleidescope journey, Universal heartaching lyrics, memories of melancholy & warm touches of Sweet Soul.
Grooves that roll on like summer but hits like a Winter cold- It will work its way into your head & set up camp.
Stovetop encompasses a new edge of deep resonating melody that bellies the familiar cord structure, as it always weaves back to the groove; the underlying distictive sound that is Stovetop.
Quote-Tony Mc Mahon-Inpress Magazine
"Stunningly beautiful and thought provoking songwriting, couched in a delicious soul/funk aesthetic, with the peculiar quality of being both strikingly original and comfortingly familiar, the band play music that will stay with you like an ever faithful lover, long after your arse has stopped shaking to their infectious sounds"
“It’s what’s in the Groove that counts “– Motown Slogan
Background:
Stovetop started out as a three piece outfit; mostly playing covers. They were not your average covers band- Rolling out a list of carbon paper, pale covers like some kind of poor - mans duke box. Instead what they delivered was their own vibe, confidently, re-inventing familiar songs as if they were their own while infusing them with their own distinctive groove & strong harmony.
While, delivering & playing numerous gigs; Stovetop’s lead singer; Simon Burke; developed & honed his sublime song writing skills; coupled with the wizardry of Sim Martin & George Servanis. Stovetop have been making some waves since the release of their most recent album-"Now,Now" in mid 2006.
Stovetop have produced two CD’s-
2005- Stovetop released their Debut CD titled “There,There” this album was based in Groove with some great songs.
Quote-Jeff Glorfeld-EG
“Simon Burke on lead vocals has that sweet nasty funky Memphis sound of Stax records down pat. Isaac Hayes inspired Grooves & Curtis Mayfield. ”There, There” is a 10 track long player with the first track setting the mood from first listening. Simon Burke plays-“Wurlitzer electric piano with his right hand, while holding down the bass groove with his left, and then singing melody with his own fantastic quality”
“It’s more Memphis than Melbourne”-Patrick Donovan-EG.
2006- Stovetop released their 2nd Album titled-“Now, Now”
Stovetop’s new CD, reflects the bands growth -“Now, Now” is an album full of well crafted songs, it encompasses a new edge of deep resonating melody that bellies the familiar cord structure, as it always weaves back to the underlying distinctive sound that is Stovetop. With the release of new CD, they have carved a unique sound-“Flaming Soul” encompassing- “Indie Soul n Groove- tinged with Folk, Roots n Blues
2007-Stovetop are preparing to return to the studio in late february, to record a Live album, the intention to capture their unique live sound.
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