Steve Hewitt – Bigger Than Words CD (Engineer Records)

Steve Hewitt is a British singer and songwriter emanating from Kent whose previous works gained a lot of positive critics from admirers of acoustic-oriented music. However, his music carries a lot more than simplified stripped acoustic melodies, and Steve tends to decorate his music with subtle additions of other instruments. His back catalog includes a couple of recordings such as Life Stories EP, Living On Earth EP, and a single Pushing Me Away. Therefore, Bigger Than Words is his debut full-length record comprised of ten profoundly soulful compositions, carefully composed to evoke some nostalgia in its listeners.

Right with the first notes of the record, I can assume Bigger Than Words will be such a treat for those who’re profoundly into indie folk, indie pop, gospel, soul, and Americana. Hewitt’s delicate chants are unveiling deeply emotive lyrics sung according to some Americana standards. Judging by his diction, I could never assume he’s an artist hailing from the UK because he’s expression vividly resembles a vast portion of the US acoustic pop artists. The emotion, confidence, and stamina in his voice demonstrate how much heart and soul Steve invests in these very detailed compositions. He vocally transcends these numbers with such ease.

Besides various vocal maneuvers, Bigger Than Words carries loads of impressive orchestrations, presented on a whole spectrum of instruments. Hewitt likes to keep his fingers busy all the time, so guitars are bursting with refined melodies showcased through arpeggiated thematics, strummed chord progressions, catchy acoustic guitar licks, and other appealing technicalities. The vast majority of numbers are supported by appropriate drumming that gives defined direction these compositions are heading over. Still, Hewitt also thought about the background ambiance. Therefore, you may hear appealing atmospherics achieved by adding violins, slide guitar, piano, keys, background choirs, and singalongs. Studio reverb also plays one of the crucial roles by liberating an echoic ambiance somewhere beneath the beforementioned instruments.

Bigger Than Words represents an astounding debut that covers a broader array of music genres, marvelously combined into divine harmony. Steve Hewitt includes Americana, indie folk, indie rock, indie pop, gospel, soul, but each element properly decorates the primary base, built upon soulful acoustic structures. This album showcases all the abilities of a very creative solo artist who shines bright through his carefully arranged acoustic compositions. Bigger Than Words is available on compact disc, released by Engineer Records. Head over to their web store to purchase this brilliant record or check out Hewitt’s Spotify page if you prefer streaming services.