After a five-year reincarnation as indie rock band
Communiqué, the four members of American Steel returned to the
studio two years ago as their punk rock selves. Dear Friends and
Gentle Hearts, the second release since the “reunion,” shows off
the band’s versatility and musicianship more so than earlier
recordings. Following up 2007’s very punky Destroy Their Future,
this one eases back a bit from some of the straight-up punk in favor of
some slightly poppier, more danceable rock, as if to make peace between
the current band and its alter ego.
The first track, “Emergency House Party,” is one of the best dancing
songs; upbeat with an addictive guitar riff and an awesome sing-along
chorus (Everything will be alright/if only for tonight). Other
highlights include the darker, heavier “Safe and Sound,” a song of
paranoia, and the catchy, singable title track. Between Rory
Henderson’s just-harsh-enough vocals, plenty of catchy guitar riffs and
grooving bass lines, Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts could draw
in new fans of the indie/dance persuasion. In fact, the most typically
punk, super-sped-up “Where You Want To Be” is the least musically
exciting track on the album. Following that is the sharply contrasting,
breakup anthem “Finally Alone,” full of delightfully tortured vocal
lines, bittersweet lyrics, and even commercial potential.
Overall, this album is particularly fun compared to other
things American Steel has released; the danceable beats and screamable
choruses make you desperate to see them play in person. (Fat Wreck
Chords)
