Steven Douglas, the frontman of Seattle’s Midstokke and Colossal Boss, returns with a fresh collaborative effort that’s as sprawling as it is cohesive. Steven Douglas and Company’s debut EP is an eight-track journey through the corners of rock, funk, blues, and twang, showcasing a sonic landscape that’s both vibrant and familiar, yet undeniably unique.
What immediately strikes the listener is the sense of groove that pulses through every track. “If we don’t groove to the tune, the listeners won’t either,” Douglas says, and this mantra holds true. Each song, meticulously crafted with contributions from musicians across the country, feels alive, brimming with a raw, unpolished energy that makes the EP shine.
Tracks like “Pocket Rocket” kick off the EP with an infectious, high-octane burst of big-band energy—perfect for firing up a live crowd. It’s a bold instrumental opener that pulls no punches, setting the tone for what’s to come: an album that doesn’t hesitate to explore different moods and textures.
“Dopamine,” on the other hand, is where the EP digs deeper, addressing addiction with blistering guitars and driving rhythms. The straight-ahead rock sound grabs you by the collar, while the lyrics cut deep, reflecting on inner turmoil. The band flexes its versatility here, tackling weighty topics while keeping the listener hooked with a relentless groove.
But it’s not all grit and intensity. “Man it’s Hot” takes a slow, bluesy turn, capturing the languid, heat-soaked vibe of the Arizona desert. Douglas’ harmonica weaves in and out of the track, adding a layer of soulfulness that feels effortless. The song is a testament to the EP’s ability to shift gears without losing momentum, moving seamlessly from rock to funk, blues to country.
The EP’s production, handled by Douglas’ longtime collaborator Brandon Goehner, is another highlight. Recorded remotely in home studios, each track has a warm, lived-in quality—there’s nothing overproduced here. Instead, the songs breathe, leaving room for the musicians to shine. Goehner’s drumming, along with a rotating cast of five guitarists, three bassists, a horn section, and backing vocalists, gives each track its own personality while maintaining a coherent sound throughout.
“Dead Memories” deserves special mention for its psychedelic, almost haunting atmosphere, with Douglas’ harmonica solo elevating the track to new emotional heights. It’s a song that lingers in the mind long after the final notes fade out, a testament to the EP’s thematic exploration of mental health and the fight against inner demons.
Then there’s “Stomp,” a feel-good, fireside jam that begs to be played with a beer in hand and friends by your side. The instrumental track feels effortlessly joyful—a perfect contrast to some of the darker themes tackled elsewhere on the album.
Closing with “Midwinter Sun,” the EP takes on themes of loss and grief. It’s a haunting, reflective song that leaves listeners with a sense of catharsis. With lyrics about breaking through darkness, it’s the perfect emotional capstone to an album that celebrates life’s highs and lows.
Steven Douglas and Company have delivered a standout debut. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, distance be damned. By bringing together musicians from across the country, Douglas has crafted an EP that feels both expansive and intimate. Whether you’re in the mood to reflect, rock out, or get lost in a groove, this EP has a track for you.
In a world filled with overproduced pop and fleeting trends, Steven Douglas and Company offer something real—a reminder of the magic that can happen when musicians come together, no matter the miles between them.
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