Follow Steven on Twitter, Instagram, and stream “Summer Bliss and Autumn Tears” on the Porterhouse Records Website.

“Summer Bliss and Autumn Tears” was a fascinating listen. I make it a practice to experience the music first and learn about the artist after that, because what you feel when you listen to the music always takes priority over what is said about it (yes, including my own review). The only thing that matters is the connection you establish with the artist. My role is to share my impressions, broker an introduction, and you are the show from that point forward.

After multiple listens, I’m in agreement with the description of Steven’s music on the Porterhouse Music Website, with a few additional distinctions.

In the high-level view, Stephen’s influences impress me as divided between the classic Robert Quine (Richard Hell & The Voidoids / Lou Reed) era of Matthew Sweet, the more melodic leanings of Bob Mould (especially during his tenure in Sugar on albums like “F.U.E.L.”), all propelled by the early punk / “New Wave” delivery of Elvis Costello & The Attractions, with an additional layer of the songwriting sensibilities and arrangements of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

The “fascinating” part of the equation is that you won’t find all of those influences on most of the individual tracks, along with Steven throwing the occasional unexpected curve ball, like Greg Leisz’s beautiful pedal steel guitar on “Can’t Come Home,” one of the undeniable highlights of the album. Guitarist Wayne Kramer (living legend of the MC5) and Angelo (Scroat) Bundini, in particular, bring back the jagged, slashing, angular guitar chop of Bob Quine, and you’ll even find a nod to the fantastic “several false endings” of Matthew Sweet’s “Sick of Myself” (I’ll let you be pleasantly surprised and find that one for yourself).

Steven weaves his way in and out of everything I named above, and after multiple listens, the practice of “spot the influence” falls away as the overall cohesiveness of the album comes into the light.

For that reason, I’m not going to go through my customary track-by-track rundown of the album. I’d be doing a greater service to the artist to let the album reveal itself to you.

I will say that the title track, “Summer Bliss and Autumn Tears,” was at the top of my personal favorites list. It’s where all of the elements I’ve named come together magnificently. That’s not meant to diminish the other tracks at all. Those songs explore the the nuances in each of the elements, but this one is Steven’s rave-up, full-frontal Free Bird. If you gave me five minutes to communicate why you should listen to this album, I’d hand you this track, and you’d be hooked. Period. Then you’d listen to the rest and really be hooked.

The beauty of the album is that you can go from a stand-out, balls-to-the-wall rocker, like the power pop guitar freakout “Loose Ends,” to the rowdy Petty stomp of “Hiding Place” into something as beautiful and laid back and elegant as “I Will Too” or “Can’t Come Home.” The album is wonderfully paced and rewards you on each additional listen.

I encourage you to go to the Porterhouse link above, listen to the album, and add it to your collection.

Musicians on all tracks: Steven Bradley (Lead & background vocals, Acoustic, Electric, High String & 12-String Guitars, Mandolin, Keyboards, Bass Guitar, Drums & Percussion), Group Vocals: “The Thornbyrds” featuring Steven Bradley, Mike Herrera, Steven McDonald).

Additional Musicians: “Tumble Into Obsession” Jonny Two Bags (Rhythm & Lead Guitars), Danny McGough (Keyboards), Holland Greco, VK Lynne (Additional Background Vocals). “You Walk By” Kevin Kane (Rhythm & Lead Guitars), Louise Dawson (Piano), Holland Greco, VK Lynne, Yuri Ruley, Tom Wisniewski (Additional Background Vocals). “Pre-Emptive Strike” Wayne Kramer (Lead & Rhythm Guitars), Louise Dawson (Piano), “Capitol Hill” Kevin Kane (Rhythm & Lead Guitars), Louise Dawson (Piano), Chris Silagyi (Additional Rhythm Guitar). “Can’t Come Home” Greg Leisz (Pedal Steel Guitar), Louise Dawson (Piano). “Calendar Girl” Angelo (Scroat) Bundini (Rhythm & Lead Guitars), Danny McGough (Keyboards). “Summer Bliss and Autumn Tears” Angelo (Scroat) Bundini (Lead & Rhythm Guitar), Louse Dawson (Piano). “I Will Too” Bobby Adams (Lead & Rhythm Guitars), Louise Dawson (Piano). “Loose Ends” Wayne Kramer (Rhythm & Lead Guitars), Danny McGough (Keyboards), Holland Greco, VK Lynne (Additional Background Vocals). “Hiding Place” (Danny McGough, Keboards).