William Steffey Entertainment Art "Romance of the Spaceways" (Aquariphone) Released September 21, 2006

Opener “Moongirl,” an aching mash note to a celestial crush, offers up hard-edged guitars over an extraterrestrial soundscape. “Taste,” cowritten by Andrew Weiss, veers into future dance territory without sounding cold or distant. “Sanctuary” adds some jazzy piano to the electronics while making a case for the protected heart within, even as hostile forces break down lines of communication outside. “Only One I Ever Wanted” is Steffey’s strongest vocal turn to date, his warm baritone recalling David Sylvian and Roland Orzabal. “Counting Backwards,” “Molly Molly” and “Simple Song” all shine brightly, testaments to the songwriter’s knack for sophisticated pop music, be it sparse and sinister or beautifully baroque.

As the album winds down, the listener experiences Steffey at his most cracked. “Nobody Goes to Hell” is the album’s highpoint, a pointed critique of a life ill-spent, while “Gush” is the only misfire, its arena-sized guitars at odds with the song’s subtler sensibilities. Closer “You Put Me Under,” a jazzy piano ballad in the vein of Scott Walker stands out even if it feels tacked-on.

A far-reaching achievement despite its minor flaws, Romance of the Spaceways finds Steffey looking at the heavens for earthly answers and finding his own potential as an artist in the process.

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