ALBUM REVIEW: i love you now leave me alone by Steve Drizo

When not on the road touring, Oregon-based musician Steve Drizos finds solace within the walls of The Panther recording studio and sometimes he’s in there crafting music of his own. With his sophomore album, i love you now leave me alone, set for release on February 16th via Cavity Search Records, Steve immerses listeners in a nostalgic journey reminiscent of the 90s rock alternative sound.

Featuring eight tracks brimming with emotion and mood, i love you now leave me alone evokes the spirit of iconic acts like Soul Asylum, Spin Doctors, and Candlebox, transporting listeners back to an era of heartfelt rock and roll. Steve’s lyrics are imbued with wistfulness and sentimentality, weaving tales of love, loss, and introspection against a backdrop of irresistible melodies.

Diving deeper into his personal experiences and relationships, with tracks like “troubled heart” dedicated to his wife and “brooklyn 97202” paying homage to his SE Portland neighborhood. Each song on the album serves as a reflection of Steve’s life and the connections that shape his journey.

On the album’s title, Steve says,

“I think it relates to the album in that the sentiment of ‘I love you, now leave me alone’ is relatable to most introverts like myself. Deeply loving those closest to us, but at the same time being pretty happy to be left alone. I had the title before I had any of the songs finished or even started. It kind of gave me a compass direction as to what the record was going to be about.”

From bouncy rocker anthems to introspective ballads, i love you now leave me alone showcases Steve’s versatility as a songwriter and musician. It’s a heartfelt musical exploration filled with nostalgia and emotion.