Review: ‘Steve Lacy’s Demo’ showcases solo debut

Lacy’s smooth and sultry voice captivates audience with overarching theme of teenage love

Courtesy of Three Quarter.

Courtesy of Three Quarter.

Guitarist Steve Lacy from Grammy nominated alternative R&B group The Internet released his new solo project “Steve Lacy’s Demo” on Friday, Feb. 24. His bandmates, Syd and Matt Martians, released their own solo debut albums earlier this year, titled “Fin” by Syd and “The Drum Chord Theory” by Matt Martians. With these three solo acts The Internet has garnered more attention due to the exceptional sound and talent each member has shown to possess.

Lacy has taken a unique approach to his demo release. On Twitter, he describes the demo as a “song series, not an album nor an EP.” Because the term “song series” can be confusing, Lacy compares it to “Black Mirror,” a science fiction thriller series on Netflix. He describes each song as a different picture he’s painting for the listener, but the sound makes it inclusive.

With six songs on the demo, the entire series spans about 14 minutes. Although it is short, Lacy makes sure each song does in fact have its own story. He gives you everything from soul, funk and indie rock to R&B vibes.

Not only has Lacy’s project stood in contrast from others by being a song series, but he also wrote, produced and recorded everything on his iPhone. He used Ableton, a software music sequencer, to program drum beats, and the bass, guitar and vocals were all recorded on GarageBand, an Apple music app.

“It was my first method I used to create so my sound lied in the iPhone, one. Two, to show kids no excuses!!!” Lacy said in reply on Twitter to a fan asking if he had any specific reason or motivation to use only his iPhone.

Lacy’s smooth and sultry voice captivates his audience throughout his demo, which has an overarching theme of teenage love.

On the third track, “Dark Red,” not only does his voice capture attention but the lyrics really portray the burning jealousy that comes with teenage relationships.

When listening to lyrics including “I think of her so much it drives me crazy. I just don’t want her to leave me. Don’t you give me up, please don’t give up. Honey, I belong with you, and only you, baby,” anyone who has been through a relationship in his or her teenage years can resonate with Lacy’s words. It is apparent that Lacy has amazing writing capabilities as well as his ability to utilize his great talent with as minimal resources as possible.

Another song that stands out is “Some.” Laid out on a groovy track, Lacy confesses his attraction and how he wants ‘some of your love.’ During verses such as “I know there’s lots of love in your heart. But who you gonna give it to? Oh, I’m sure there’s lots of guys that you see. But I swear they’re not as cool as me,” Lacy never fails to emanate a confident and charismatic aura.

Other than being the bread crumbs and producing the majority of The Internet’s last album, “Ego Death,” Lacy just further proves his stunning expertise with “Steve Lacy’s Demo.” The 18 year old oozes natural talent and an aura many artists don’t have. With the release of Lacy’s demo, one can get a taste of his individuality and what he has in store for the future.