The Steel Wheels is a band that has been redefining what it means to be Americana for nearly 20 years, and now with their 13th album ‘Sideways’ they’ve managed to create their most sonically adventurous full-length yet – a far cry from the band’s origins as an all-acoustic traditional string band. Produced by Sam Kassirer (Lake Street Dive, Langhorne Slim, Josh Ritter), ‘Sideways’ takes influence from psychedelic rock, pop, jam and more to expand upon their distinctly Appalachian sound.
Each track on the album unveils a personal narrative, expertly crafted by lead vocalist and songwriter, Trent Wagler. ‘Wait on You’ opens the album with a vivid recollection of a chaotic train journey, capturing the essence of youthful idealism colliding with the practicalities of life as the fiddles come in and out. Wagler’s storytelling prowess shines in ‘Baby Gone,’ a poignant exploration of the bittersweet experience of watching a child leave for college set against the background of a cool Bluegrass groove.
The introspective journey continues with ‘Hero,’ a track that delves into the complexities of self-perception and the pitfalls of a well-intentioned yet misguided hero complex. Against the backdrop of the early days of the pandemic, ‘Enemy’ reflects on the fragility of joy and the unexpected turns that can transform what once brought happiness into an unforeseen adversary. ‘Dissidents’ stands out as a musical experiment, pushing the boundaries of folk with its dissonant notes that add tension and intrigue to the melodic landscape as the fiddles, banjos and mandolins weave a their magic spell. The hauntingly beautiful ‘Morning Before Long’ confronts the struggles of intrusive thoughts and suicidal ideation, offering a glimmer of hope in the acceptance of passing thoughts.
As the album unfolds, ‘Yes I Know’ explores vulnerability and the inevitability of endings in relationships, while ‘Past The Breaks’ provides a sonic representation of life spiralling beyond control. ‘Easy On Your Way’ poignantly addresses grief and loss, drawing from bandmate Eric’s personal experience with the death of his daughter. The album concludes with ‘Just Like The Wind,’ a contemplative reflection on self-identity and the fluidity of our roles in life.
‘Sideways,’ transcends the boundaries of typical folk music, weaving a tapestry of stories and emotions that resonate deeply with listeners. It is is a masterful collection that challenges your conceptions of music, life and the world whilst wrapping you in its warm embrace at the same time.
Tracklist: 1. Wait On You 2. Baby Gone 3. Sideways 4. Hero 5. Enemy 6. Dissidents 7. Good Thing Now 8. Morning Before Long 9. Yes I Know 10. Past The Breaks 11. Easy On Your Way 12. Just Like The Wind Release Date: February 9th Record Label: Big Ring Records Buy ‘Sideways’ right here
