Steadlür
It’s not very often that I decide to import a CD into my work iTunes after a first listen, but with Steadlür it was love at first listen and if my iTunes love it; then I’m pretty sure you should too.
I’d always known that Roadrunner Records had a pretty awesome roster of musicians, but each and every CD I’ve heard from those folks have been absolutely fantastic in 2009, and with their wagon of hot rock trundling around London, there is hope for rock music yet.
From the first time you listen to the guys debut album, you can tell that brother's Philip (lead vocals, guitar) and Dallas (vocals, drums) as well as their long time friends Daniel (vocals, bass) and Tommy (vocals, guitar) are into everything from Guns n' Roses and Motley Crüe to Foo Fighters and KISS, as well as everything in between!
With each song, the foursome kick out their own intoxicating brand of rock 'n' roll ecstasy, complete with anthemic melodies and addictive hooks - each song takes you down a different listening path, but never leaves you to wander into a wood filled with wolves or fall down a terrifying ravine.
The boys guide you by the hand on a musical rock journey that plays all the card you’d expect from an album like this; one by one bringing out the chanting choruses, they screeching guitar solos and the odd smidgen of power metal chords that has me spinning around in my posh office chair (that’s on wheels!)
Their debut single, Bumpin’ looks to set them in good stead for making a mark in the musical airwaves which are being dominated by their Roadrunner brothers such as Nickelback, Shinedown and Theory Of A Deadman. It ticks all the right boxes for making it as a summer festival anthem, and one thing’s for sure, I’ll be shaking my heeled Wellington boots down at the front.
My Mom Hates Me does sound a little like Puddle Of Mudd’s She Fucking Hates Me, but it’s just a little more ear-pleasing than the depressing 2002 version which lacks the ‘oomph’ that these kids bring.
One thing’s for sure, if you’re sick to the back teeth of bands just churning out carbon copy after carbon copy of rock songs, this album is the medicine you need; no two songs are the same, and they’ll have you prancing about your bedroom with your hairbrush-come-microphone before the end of the first song…. Just make sure your curtains are closed… that could be embarrassing!
Rating: 5/5 - The best debut album I’ve heard in 2009.
Skip To: Turn It Up - Each song is epic, but this is my current favourite!
FemaleFirst - Ruth Harrison