Sideways
Big Ring, 2024
9/10
The Virginia residents and Americana heroes The Steel Wheels bring plenty of hooks and Appalachian ideas to these 12 string fueled tracks
“Wait On You” starts the listen with no lack of atmosphere, as Kevin Garcia’s thumping drums and Jay Lapp’s warm, fluid mandolin complement the smooth singing, and “Baby Gone” follows with frontman Trent Wagler’s meticulous banjo and expressive pipes guiding the rhythmic landscape.
Into the middle, “Enemy” is an intimate moment of warm vocal harmonies and stirring fiddle from Eric Brubaker, while “Good Thing Now” is a rich album highlight that’s subdued, slightly dreamy and benefits much from Jeremy Darrow’s precise bass playing.
The last two tracks don’t disappoint either, where the pretty “Easy On Your Way” invites a sing-along immediately amid the melodies, and “Just Like The Wind” finishes with a soulful and poetic delivery that’s heartfelt and memorable.
Now almost two decades into their existence, the psychedelic rock, pop and jam influences sure are appreciated, as the quintet continue to solidify their place as one of the brightest in the area of bluegrass and Americana sounds.
Travels well with: Steep Canyon Rangers- Out In The Open; Lindsay Lou- Queen Of Time