Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The Steels recently came and played at a pub gig in Stoke organised by a university mission and, by all accounts, proved themselves to be an excellent, edgy rock band. Unfortunately, this album doesn't do them justice and never really rises above the merely competent. Maybe it was the lack of flare in the production or maybe it was simply that singer Adam Carmichael's songs too often follow tried and tested patterns. But either way, this isn't likely to be the album to establish them on the national scene. Throughout, they're tight and Adam's guitar work is impressive, and clearly they've come a long way from the raw metal sound of their Steel Machine origins. But songs with stronger hooks and more memorable arrangements will be needed if they're to rise to the next level.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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