American Steel: Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts

(Fat Wreck, 2009)

"We only need a song to dance to, we only need a chorus to sing along to"

Discovery: See first AmSteel entry.

Result: This album is definitely poppier than their last, and there is no lack of gang-vocals making this a sing-a-long pop rock record. While I prefer Destroy Their Future, this record has some great hook-y tracks that I hope will translate well live. I have yet to see them play any shows since this release, so the true test is yet to come.

Stand-out Tracks: "Emergency House Party", "Tear the Place Apart", "Safe and Sound"

American Steel: Destroy Their Future

(Fat Wreck, 2007)

"We need love and logic"

Discovery: See first AmSteel entry.

Result: While I LOVE Communique, the band that is American Steel's pop-fantastic alter-ego, I am very excited that AmSteel is back making music and playing shows. Destroy Their Future marks this triumphant return. And what a return it is. If you're looking for somewhere to start with American Steel, look no further. This record is by far their best work. This album was one of the ones that got me excited about new music again.

Stand-out Tracks: "Dead and Gone", "Love and Logic", "Razorblades"

American Steel: Jagged Thoughts

(Lookout!, 2001)

"I'm your cold-sweat epiphanies, you're my red wine soliloquies"

Discovery: See previous entry.

Result: I love this album. I guess that's true of every album American Steel has released, but I find the songwriting on Jagged Thoughts to be superior to their previous record, but still keeping that raw punk rock edge and staying true to their sound of hooky guitars layered with melodic vocals that I have come to love. This album got some flack upon its release for not being an appropriate follow-up to Rogue's March, but that's what I like about this band. Each album is almost a different sound than the previous, while still being undeniably American Steel.

Stand-out Tracks: "Shrapnel", "Rainy Day", "Turn It Out"

American Steel: Rogue's March

(Lookout!, 1999)

Discovery: My lovely friend Tyler was into this band, and for some reason I scoffed at him when he told me I should check them out. Boy, did I eat my shorts! Now they are not only one of my favourite bands to listen to and see live, but I may or may not have an AmSteel tattoo. Thanks Tyler!

Result: This album is very rough around the edges production-wise, but I love it. It reminds me of the happy punk rock times of my youth, and the raw feel to the record really fits the tunes. Don't be mistaken though, the songs are super catchy. I probably appreciate the more-polished sounds of AmSteel Round II more, but this record is still a great listen.

Stand-out Tracks: "Loaded Gun", "Every New Morning", "Whisky, Women, and Blackguarding"