Balcony

Steven Lester, credited at times as Stephen or Steve on releases, records as Balcony. Although born in Birmingham, England, he formed the concept for the project only after settling in Los Angeles. Lester’s singing, much like that of Chris Connelly, frequently channels Scott Walker through the lens of David Bowie. Balcony’s debut album, 777, arrived in 1998 and stands apart through its fusion of acoustic guitars, saxophone, and mellotron-rendered strings with abrasive electronic textures and forceful lead guitar, all driven by Lester’s commanding vocal presence. The outcome is a singular sound that merges Baroque pop with industrial music. Lester followed with Before Needs in 2001, paring back much of the jagged edge that defined the first record.