Initially started as a solo project by founding member, principal songwriter, and guitarist Mike Floros, SteelCity are named after Youngstown, Ohio. Which is a shame, as I immediately thought of Sheffield and Def Leppard.
Anyway, look, let’s catch each other up here, shall we? “Reverence” is their third album. I won’t pretend to you that I’ve heard the other two, and the reason for that is simple: the thing is so good it only deserves honesty.
Everything about “I Ain’t Dreamin’ Bout You” is perfect. From the vocals of Roy Cathey to the playing of Floros. Let’s get down to brass tacks. If this was 1987 and the aforementioned Leps were ruling MTV, then these boys ain’t far behind.
“Hammer’s Fallin’” is so 80s that it’s wearing shoulder pads, you don’t need me to explain “No Angel” and the grooves of the others are replaced with genuine fists in the air glee for “Dizzy”.
But my God! When they do those grooves, like on “Walk Away” they’re as big as the Electric Boys. Tony Stahl’s keys inform the sound as much as anything too.
“B.A.N.K” takes all that and adds a bit of sleaze, and if AOR has sounded as good – or indeed as heavy – as “Midnight Dancer” then I haven’t heard it in 2024. Come for the solo and stay for the harmonies.
The choruses soar. “Broken” is what Bon Jovi should still be doing, “Losing Control” finds itself anchored down by Anthony White’s drums and the thing thunders, and ok, “Blinded” might slow things a little, but it is not a ballad. Everything here is through gritted teeth.
Even the one that is a mostly ballad, “The Journey”, has more to do with blue-collar towns than schmaltz. Anything else just wouldn’t sound right.
It is impressively heavy, it is impressively played, hell, everything about these 11 songs is impressive. Yes, it’ll take you back if you were there, but if you weren’t and you want to hear what polished, classic-sounding rock was like, then jump right in – just treat it with the “Reverence” it deserves.
Rating 9/10
