Alternative rock may have peaked in the ’90s and ’00s but it never really died. Four Star Riot’s frontman Steve Alex, who performs solo as Never Heavy, is proof.

By Graeme Smith

As a solo artist, his work is somewhat more introspective than the bombast of his band, but rocks no less powerfully. Never Heavy Is One Full of Light is his second solo album, following his 2022 self-titled debut. Across ten tracks it gives us gentle, meditative rock, soul searching psych and acoustic brooding in equal measure.

Alex’s song-writing chops are obvious right from album opener Bottle the Sun, a track brimming with imagery and reluctant optimism. A stripped-back opening gradually builds, arriving at a swaying soft rock stride at its halfway point. On the Go follows with a dreamy, emotional soundscape, fully drawing us into a world that’s truly timeless.

Anything More is a slow-building and warm tale of acceptance while Too Involved contrasts it with some acoustic melancholia. Lost Without You is a soft, romantic highlight, full of image-laden lyrics and storytelling.

Low and High gives us a fuzzy rock edge while I Suppose is beautifully woozy. Home is full of longing. Good One is jaunty and biting. Owl closes the album with a delicate instrumental vignette. It rounds off the collection nicely.

Never Heavy’s new album is certainly one to be enjoyed in a darkened room without other distractions. The narrative in its lyrics will have you gripped while its nuanced instrumentals will build a world before your eyes. If you’re looking to get lost and then found today, then look no further.

Never Heavy Is One Full of Light is out now and you can give it a listen below.