Steve Balbi - Black Rainbow (2013) [Reissue 2015]

Darkness features in much of Balbi's work, but it would be wrong to think this album is anything less than uplifting from such a talented artist. This solo album has been a long time in the making and fortunately encapsulates multiple styles and influences. From the Bowie-drenched Sweet Sabotage to the acoustic From Love To Dust, there's one common denominator – Balbi's exceptional voice.

Balbi has a vintage rock heritage, having played with a variety of acts including Kevin Borich and the grandiose Noiseworks. Being essentially a musician with multiple talents, just being a bass player was never going to be his final calling. On this album Balbi not only plays many of the instruments, he's also produced it and it sounds as strong as any international release.

Black Rainbow is relatively theatrical and Balbi uses his voice to great effect on some of the more epic numbers like One Last, which ducks and weaves around the kind of melody that only the likes of Bono or Van Morrison can usually manage. Other highlights include a reworking of the Noiseworks' classic, Touch, which is subtly done. Balbi's voice blends classic traits from the rock pantheon and you can hear the likes of John Lennon and Bowie at play in his phrasing and delivery.

For all the darkness in these emotive songs then, you're left with a pretty positive album. There is a joy in these songs that is a rarity in music these days. As Balbi says, “It's good to be alive.”