Steelism - 615 to Fame

by Maarten Schiethart

published: 14 / 3 / 2015

Label: NAMES
Format: CD

Eccentric and ironic debut album from instrumental surf-influenced Nashville-based group, Steelism

Review

Mississippi twang and rock music resonate from this bursting pothole of an album, which is filled with indie surf nostalgia. It creates mayhem and splendour from its opening moments with its Memorabilia-inducing surfadelics. Spewing out violin riffs in the grand 1970s tradition of the Electric Light Orchestra over a slew of sleazy cat-creeping steps, Steelism quite immaculately merge thunder and lightning. Overlooked, their psychedelic twang has grace and elegance. Perhaps even more far-fetched still, they are an homage to Yo La Tengo or the Zantees. Going back even further still to the days of Don't Fall Off The Mountain Records in around 1980, there are persistent and resounding echoes of the Del Byzanteens. The film director Jim Jarmusch ought to listen to '615 To Fame' as the album rounds off what he may have wanted as a late teen, the Wild West. On its heels though, sheer menace and vengeance then comply in overdrive harmony, albeit when least expected. With light-hearted irony, particularly on 'Marfa Lights', the album draws to a logical close. Steelism show how to melt post-rock with surf twang throughout, but, however, fail to fill the missing link. '615 to Fame' presents a maximum in style, with its hefty drone riffs and what not.

Track Listing:-

1 Cats Eye Ring
2 The Blind Beggar
3 The Landlocked Surfer
4 China Plate
5 Tears of Isabella
6 Marfa Lights
7 Caught In a Pickle
8 The Spook
9 Ladybird
10 Cuban Missile
11 Greenwich Meantime