Song: Three Steps Closer
Overall Impression
Australian act Del Webb Explosion serve up brass-heavy, organ-driven soul rock, on their release of "Three Steps Closer". This uptempo track chronicles a descent into intimacy, with syncopated horns and overdriven Hammond organ playing overtop a sinewy bass line along with a frenetic backbeat. Passionate male vocals express an intense romantic desire that borders on divine obsession, bolstered by a strong chorus hook and complemented by a compelling instrumental section. Indie and alternative rock fans will revel in the soulful expression and raw intensity of Del Webb Explosion's "Three Steps Closer".
Strongest Point(s)
Solid production, decent mix. Fantastic energy throughout. Great soul-rock sound that blends roots r&b with aggressive rock elements. Nice horn arrangements, good variations. Organ sounds great, nice overdriven tone that really sits upfront in the mix. Love the instrumental sections, the guitar solo at 3:38 has a terrific punk rock energy about it. Killer vocal performance and production; great snarling delivery that's absolutely perfect for the genre, and a terrific job of stacking vocal harmonies in the chorus. Lyrics fit into a new wave style with dark, shadowy imagery that focuses in on an obsessive love, with a great 1-2-3 mathematical setup. These themes should resonate most strongly with alternative audiences. All in all, this is a really fun track with a somewhat vintage, high-energy sound that's reminiscent of eighties English post-punk soul, while still managing to sound fresh and vibrant. Fantastic work, all around!
Target Audience Appeal
Fans of Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Soul, Indie Rock, New Wave/Post-Punk
Artist target suggestions
The Specials, The Boomtown Rats, The Clash, The Stranglers, Elvis Costello, Midnight Oil, INXS, Joe Jackson, Nathaniel Ratliffe & The Night Sweats, Dexys Midnight Runners, The Style Council, The Heavy, Black Country New Road
About The Reviewer
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent within the next generation of musical explorers.
January 31, 2026
radioairplay.com
-
Steven Azami
Song: Three Steps Closer
Overall Impression
Australian act Del Webb Explosion serve up brass-heavy, organ-driven soul rock, on their release of "Three Steps Closer". This uptempo track chronicles a descent into intimacy, with syncopated horns and overdriven Hammond organ playing overtop a sinewy bass line along with a frenetic backbeat. Passionate male vocals express an intense romantic desire that borders on divine obsession, bolstered by a strong chorus hook and complemented by a compelling instrumental section. Indie and alternative rock fans will revel in the soulful expression and raw intensity of Del Webb Explosion's "Three Steps Closer".
Strongest Point(s)
Solid production, decent mix. Fantastic energy throughout. Great soul-rock sound that blends roots r&b with aggressive rock elements. Nice horn arrangements, good variations. Organ sounds great, nice overdriven tone that really sits upfront in the mix. Love the instrumental sections, the guitar solo at 3:38 has a terrific punk rock energy about it. Killer vocal performance and production; great snarling delivery that's absolutely perfect for the genre, and a terrific job of stacking vocal harmonies in the chorus. Lyrics fit into a new wave style with dark, shadowy imagery that focuses in on an obsessive love, with a great 1-2-3 mathematical setup. These themes should resonate most strongly with alternative audiences. All in all, this is a really fun track with a somewhat vintage, high-energy sound that's reminiscent of eighties English post-punk soul, while still managing to sound fresh and vibrant. Fantastic work, all around!
Target Audience Appeal
Fans of Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Soul, Indie Rock, New Wave/Post-Punk
Artist target suggestions
The Specials, The Boomtown Rats, The Clash, The Stranglers, Elvis Costello, Midnight Oil, INXS, Joe Jackson, Nathaniel Ratliffe & The Night Sweats, Dexys Midnight Runners, The Style Council, The Heavy, Black Country New Road
About The Reviewer
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent within the next generation of musical explorers.
January 31, 2026
radioairplay.com
-
Steven Azami
Song: Three Steps Closer
Overall Impression
Australian act Del Webb Explosion serve up brass-heavy, organ-driven soul rock, on their release of "Three Steps Closer". This uptempo track chronicles a descent into intimacy, with syncopated horns and overdriven Hammond organ playing overtop a sinewy bass line along with a frenetic backbeat. Passionate male vocals express an intense romantic desire that borders on divine obsession, bolstered by a strong chorus hook and complemented by a compelling instrumental section. Indie and alternative rock fans will revel in the soulful expression and raw intensity of Del Webb Explosion's "Three Steps Closer".
Strongest Point(s)
Solid production, decent mix. Fantastic energy throughout. Great soul-rock sound that blends roots r&b with aggressive rock elements. Nice horn arrangements, good variations. Organ sounds great, nice overdriven tone that really sits upfront in the mix. Love the instrumental sections, the guitar solo at 3:38 has a terrific punk rock energy about it. Killer vocal performance and production; great snarling delivery that's absolutely perfect for the genre, and a terrific job of stacking vocal harmonies in the chorus. Lyrics fit into a new wave style with dark, shadowy imagery that focuses in on an obsessive love, with a great 1-2-3 mathematical setup. These themes should resonate most strongly with alternative audiences. All in all, this is a really fun track with a somewhat vintage, high-energy sound that's reminiscent of eighties English post-punk soul, while still managing to sound fresh and vibrant. Fantastic work, all around!
Target Audience Appeal
Fans of Pop/Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Soul, Indie Rock, New Wave/Post-Punk
Artist target suggestions
The Specials, The Boomtown Rats, The Clash, The Stranglers, Elvis Costello, Midnight Oil, INXS, Joe Jackson, Nathaniel Ratliffe & The Night Sweats, Dexys Midnight Runners, The Style Council, The Heavy, Black Country New Road
About The Reviewer
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent within the next generation of musical explorers.
Steven Azami
-
radioairplay.com
January 31, 2026