Steel Wool–consisting of Sean Lissner (guitar/vocals), Jaden Amjadi (bass/vocals), Sam Schlesinger (guitar), and Evan Landi (drums)–are set to release their debut EP on April 10 via Bug Body. The LA-based band describes this project as “a first step in five directions, sidling towards shoegaze, jangle pop, screamo, folk, and something else [they] can’t quite figure out a name for.” The self-titled EP is made up of five tracks each highlighting one of the five genres in each direction.
“Fading” takes on the shoegaze soundscape of heavy guitar effects and the “wall of sound” while combining it with Amjadi’s screamo vocals creating an emo spin on the classic shoegaze sound. Lissner and Amjadi project lyrical themes of self-loathing and uncertainty with tones of fear and frustration.
“Another Sunday” is the second track on the EP depicting the aforementioned jangle pop inspiration. Incorporating a happier upbeat tone along with a catchy saxophone hook that resembles works of bands such as Timber Timbre and Andy Shauf, the lyrics stay true to the EP theme of feeling lackluster and trapped.
My personal favorite track is “Tired Movements.” It’s the most stripped-back of the five songs and highlights Lissner’s vocal abilities the most, especially in the harmonies in the outro. Lissner sings of his struggle with watching his life being overtaken by anxiety, the lyrics are beautifully thought out in this one and I hope to hear more similar songs in their upcoming works.
If you haven’t already become familiar with Steel Wool in the DIY LA indie scene, now is your chance to do so. If you happen to live in the greater Los Angeles area be sure to catch the Steel Wool release show on April 22nd at El Cid with support from bedbug and standingandlookingaround.
FFO – DIIV, Blue Smiley, The Radio Dept., Dutch Interior, Nothing, Wisp, Ride, Mojave 3
Written by Chloe Gallardo
