Siblings Jason and Chad Turner are the boys behind Stepsonday. A pitch perfect alliance of pop songwriting, Stepsonday comes on like the light, breezy days of their hometown Santa Monica. Vocalist Jason and drummer Chad self recorded Little Light, their debut LP, before signing with One Eleven Records. The music is naïve and sweet, romantic and charming, while the lyrics are filled with the melancholy musings of a boy growing up in and around a world slightly grayer than himself. Stepsonday is a mix of Nada Surf bitterness, Sea Wolf coolness and Death Cab For Cutie gentleness. The songs never stray from the formulaic patterns designed spotlessly by the brothers Turner. At times, it can become a bit repetitive as each tune blends and sounds more like the one before. As a listener who would expect some challenges, Stepsonday never push. The album relaxes, spread out on a picnic blanket, under a huge tree in the cool afternoon. Opener “Same Difference” is a telling beginning. Songs like “In Crowd” deal with issues of fitting in, blending seamlessly with the masses. “Old Man” explores confusion and apprehension in these crowded times. Title track “Little Light” may be the most affecting song on the album, a definite standout. A lonely guitar riff hums along with lyrics pleading for illumination. This is not a reinvention of music, but a steady and even-handed exercise in simplicity. Nothing more need be asked of it. Like a lullaby for a child drifting to sleep, Stepsonday craft easy melodies and warm easy hearts.
– Charlie Swanson
Stepsonday: www.stepsonday.com
One Eleven Records: www.111records.com