By Gary Wien
originally published: 01/01/2005
If you're looking for something a little different than the usual stuff being played on the radio, check out David Steele's "Underneath The Ice" on City Canyon Records.
Steele, an English songwriter, has come up with a CD reminiscient of classic bands from the 80s like U2, The Alarm and even The Police. In fact, much of the disc reminds me of the more experimental songs that U2 used to put out as B-sides to their singles.
There's a nice blend of straight up rock tracks and soft ballads all held together with Steele's distinctive voice. Steele uses wonderful orchestration to create moods during his slower songs and even gets a bit funky during some of the upbeat tracks. Unlike many eighties-influenced artists, Steele uses synthesizers but doesn't let technology overshadow his guitar and piano performances.
My favorite tracks off the disc include Disappear, Bethleham, Underneath The Ice, and Rise Up.
Go to the official website of City Canyons for more information on David Steele, listen to tracks, or to find out purchase information.
About the author:
Gary Wien has been covering the arts since 2001 and has had work published with Jersey Arts, Upstage Magazine, Elmore Magazine, Princeton Magazine, Backstreets and other publications. He is a three-time winner of the Asbury Music Award for Top Music Journalist and the author of
Beyond the Palace (the first book on the history of rock and roll in Asbury Park) and
Are You Listening? The Top 100 Albums of 2001-2010 by New Jersey Artists. In addition, he runs New Jersey Stage and the online radio station
The Penguin Rocks. His personal website is at
lightyscorner.com. He can be contacted at
[email protected].
EVENT PREVIEWS
Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on October 11th
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents James Maddock on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. Maddock's status as a fixture on the Folk and Americana scene is confirmed with every listen of any song in his prodigious catalog. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30th
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs presents Suzanne Vega - Flying with Angels on October 30, 2026 at 8:00pm (doors at 7:00pm). The concert will take place at the First Congregational Church (40 South Fullerton Avenue) in Montclair.
CarteretPAC presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band
(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".
Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
