Album Review: Steve Hoskins, Stevie Dinner

2022 began with a kick in the gut; however, a number of arts organizations sought to provide opportunities for artists to help us find some silver-lining amidst the chaos. The RPM Challenge (funded by ArtsNL and the City of Saint John’s) proposed the creative challenge for anyone (and we mean anyone) to record music throughout the month of February. Over 556 records were submitted for the challenge, and a fun standout is Steve Hoskins’ album Stevie Dinner. 

Stevie Dinner is a five track 20 minute EP, and is described by the artist as “an eclectic racket.” What made the recording stand out was the amount of personality Hoskins poured into the album, particularly with the opening track ‘The Silver Honky.’ This ‘Rawhide-esque’ track features a catchy and infectious rhythm that is true to the classic cowboy mythos, and conjures the image of horse-back troubadours in the old West. The most enjoyable aspect of the song is Hoskins' tongue-in-cheek humour that allows the song to be a faithful homage to the genre as well as a gentle parody. It is as if Orville Peck were crafted by Gene Belcher. 

The album explores many different styles and genres, evident in the doom-folk sea shanty ‘The Best of Bullshit Cove’ and within the angsty synth-beats of ‘Big Job.’ Overall, Stevie Dinner showcases both Hoskins’ range of musical talent while keeping his alt-comedy influences front and centre. 

Along with the other RPM Challenge submissions, samples from Stevie Dinner were shared throughout the day on March 5 as part of the RPM Challenge Global Listening Party.

Stevie Dinner is available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp.