Steel Train

Steel Train
The music industry in America is booming today with many talented artists and superb bands. Over the past few years, the competition has gone very strong and only those bands managed to survive that possess real talent and accurate music sense. Steel Train is one of such bands that has made its mark in a very short period of time.

With relatively little body of work that includes two full-lengths albums and a covers EP, the band has showed great potential and is touted the next big thing in American rock scene.

Hailed from New Jersey, the band boosts of the great talents of four extremely gifted musicians. The current lineup of the band consists of Jack Antonoff as lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist, Evan Winiker as bassist and backing vocalist, Daniel Silbert as guitarist and backing vocalist and Jon Shiffman on drums and percussion. The band is signed by pop punk based Drive Thru Records.

Steel Train was formed in 1999 by Antonoff and Scott Irby-Ranniar. The two started playing in the subways of New York City and soon dispatched self-recorded demos that gained the attention of music industry. It is said that Antonoff recorded demo after demo in his New Jersey home to make sure that the new songs were ready for the studio.

He was right in doing so as their hard work eventually got them a deal with Drive Thru Records in 2002. Although Scott could not continue with the band for long, yet his contributions played an important role in the bands success.

Steel Trains first outing in the music world was an impressive EP For You My Dear, released in early 2003. The album showed the potential of the band and songs like Alley Cat and Night Falls were applauded for their beautiful composition. After getting the acceptance from industry and critics, Steel Train released their first full-length album Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun.

This combination of beautiful melodies and rocking sounds got them mainstream recognition. The well-composed songs and grasping lyrics completely hooked the listeners and music enthusiasts to the sound of this new-age music outfit. But this was not enough for the ambitious band as they set more goals for the future and started working on their next album.

If Steel Train became stars after their first act, the second venture Trampoline has got them the superstar status. The band hit it big this time around with more sales and more acclaim coming from all the quarters of the country.

Released on October 16th, 2007, the album showed the versatility of the band as they came up with sound completely different from Twilight Tales From the Prairies of the Sun. While the first one had a distinct folk-rock feel, this time around the band has added an indie pop dimension that fared well with the listeners.

Trampoline is a grand buoyant album that conjures the sounds and spirit of this amazing rock outfit we know as Steel Train. The album takes the band to a new level of songwriting and musicianship as they excelled in both departments. While the sound is joyous and feel-good, the lyrics are hyper and realistic addressing the events that shatter our world and break our hearts.

However, there is a focus on those forces as well that lift us up and offer a second chance. The opening track I Feel Weird became the most popular track of the album. This energizing pop number truly embodies the album and is the bands most rocking single as yet. On its release, the track became a sort of pop anthem as it talks about people dying on September 11 attacks on America.

The theme is gloomy but not the sound as it provides a burst of energy packaged in a true rock-style beats thus giving an altogether different tempo as compared to the lyrics. The use of piano and xylophones wonderfully layered the number as it stood the proudest among others.

However, other singles were equally good and they make the album versatile and unique. Tracks like Alone on the Sea, Kill Monsters in the Rain Black Eye and Dakota were highlighted by a beautiful rendition of guitars, euphoric melody laden keyboards, and yearning vocals.

It is difficult to define a Steel Trains sound as they have experimented with something new in both of the albums released till yet. They are mostly known as jam, acoustic guitar-loving band incorporating elements of both baroque indie-ness and classic rock.

Some of the bands favorite music styles include British and American classic rock, folk-rock, psychedelia, pop and alternative. While the band is good in the studio, it is simply remarkable on stage. The fame of Steel Train as live band has surpassed its recordings as their live acts are a treat to watch with fuller sound and rich complexity.

Their acoustic gang vocals numbers, their audience sing-alongs and refreshing banter on stage has developed a solid fan base that is expanding with every new performance.

Steel Train is a rocking band both musically and philosophically. They have everything a band should have and they will soon rule the world with their magnificent melodies.

You make sure to catch the band at their latest concert as it is hard not to like these dudes who know their music better than any one else around. Go and face the Steel Train!