Album Review
American Steel - Dear Friends And Gentle HeartsAmerican Steel – Dear Friends And Gentle Hearts

This four piece from Oakland, California have been around as a band since 1995, they released their debut album through New Disorder Records back in 1998 they then went on to release to albums though Lookout Records and are now signed to Fat Wreck Chords who are releasing their brand new album ‘Dear Friends And Gentle Hearts’.

From listening to the new album by American Steel they have just become my favourite Fat Wreck Chords band, their new album ‘Dear Friends And Gentle Hearts’ reminds me so much of Alkaline Trio and The Gaslight Anthem and is so a big jump around happy party album that is simply fantastic.

‘Dear Friends And Gentle Hearts’ is a top album running from start to finish, it is crammed with 12 killer tracks, the tracks are punk rock in length running for 2 to 3 minutes each and they all have a big infectious sound that is going to leave you singing along at the top of your lungs.

Lead vocalist Rory Henderson sounds like he has been to the Matt Skiba school of vocals as his vocals are as clear, sharp and infectious of those of Matt, in fact it both vocalists were singing together on the same track then I am sure most people would find it hard to pick out which vocalist is singing which bit.

The album opens with ‘Emergency House Party’ and from that opening catchy guitar riff you know that American Steel are here to have a good time and to also help their fans have a good time, as soon as Matt’s vocals come in you will understand the Matt Skiba comparison as his vocals here sound so much like Matt’s vocals from back in the early days of Alkaline Trio.

‘Tear The Place Apart’ features some great basslines which give you the feeling that the song is going to turn into a ska number but that sadly never happens, but instead the song goes on a near 3minute melodic journey which happens to be very much fun and exciting, the song is so infectious within the first listen you will be tapping your feet again and by the third or fourth listen you will have clearly nailed the lyrics and be singing along word for word.

‘Safe And Sound’ is the most interesting song on the album as it reminds me far too much of ‘Burn’ by Alkaline Trio, especially when the melodic chorus comes in, it sounds so similar to the chorus of ‘Burn’ even though the lyrics are so different, it just features the same groove and infectious style, what helps make ‘Safe And Sound’ stand out from ‘Burn’ a little bit is the group band vocals of “Woahh, Woahh”.

The new American steel album is the perfect soundtrack to the summer, it’s so upbeat and infectious that you could listen to it on repeat for a whole 24 hours and still not get bored of it, if you are planning to have pool or BBQ party this year then make sure you have a copy of ‘Dear Friends And Gentle Hearts’ spinning in your record player as it is sure going to be a winner with everyone.

The only thing that I can see being against American Steel, is that they do sound too much like Alkaline Trio and they are slowly morphing into an Alkaline Trio wannabe band if they like it or not and I am sure there will be many people who don’t like them because of this, but at the same time you can’t hide the fact that American Steel make fantastic music even if it is not original.

5/5

Review by Trigger
 Band Members
American Steel - Band
Rory Henderson (Vocals, Guitar)
Ryan Massey (Guitar, Vocals)
John Peck (Bass, Vocals)
Scott Healy (Drums)
 Track Listing
1. Emergency House Party
2. Tear The Place Apart
3. Safe And Sound
4. Your Ass Aint Laughing Now
5. The Blood Gets Everywhere
6. From Here To Hell
7. Dear Friends And Gentle Hearts
8. Lights Out
9. Bergamot
10. Where You Want To Be
11. Finally Alone
12. Meals & Entertainment
 Band Related Links
American Steel Myspace
 Review Score Code
- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
- What Was That?