Steel Wool’s self-titled debut EP, out on April 10th, is a striking first look from the Los Angeles dream-pop upstarts. They effortlessly channel the genre’s hazy nostalgia while adding their own twist. From the first note to the last, the record feels like a band confidently finding their voice and crafting songs that are both moody yet electrifying.
Emerging from LA’s DIY scene, Sean Lissner (guitar/vocals), Jaden Amjadi (bass/screaming), Sam Schlesinger (guitar), and Evan Landi (drums) cut their teeth in backyard gigs and garage shows. While that raw energy is still present, it’s shaped into something more textured and dynamic and balances atmospheric beauty with bursts of cathartic noise.
Opening with “Fading”, the song sets the tone with a brooding, 80s goth energy reminiscent of Bauhaus and Morrissey. Layers of reverb-soaked guitar build until the track erupts into a wash of feedback that perfectly captures the push and pull between detachment and intensity. The band leans into this contrast again on “Another Sunday,” a song that sounds like the love child of Radiohead’s musical experimentation and The Church’s haunting vocal delivery. The unexpected addition of saxophone takes it to another level and gives the track an almost surreal quality.
Meanwhile, “Eyes Closed” offers a lo-fi, dreamy shoegaze vibe that invites one into a more hazy space. The gentle layers of guitar and soft percussion provide a feeling of being submerged in sound, as if floating just below the surface of a lucid dream. The track presents a striking contrast to the rest of the EP, showing Steel Wool’s range within the genre without losing their identity. Then there’s “Heaven or La Brea,” which moves with the weight of a rainstorm with its tinny guitars, delicate drum brushstrokes, and downtempo beats conjuring an atmosphere of lonely late-night walks through a rain soaked city. It’s a moment of pure sonic bliss, where Steel Wool’s raw energy and controlled chaos meet in the most beautiful way.
“Tired Moments,” the EP’s final track, brings the intensity down with its quiet, reflective tones. The song is delicate and understated, yet it manages to draw attention with its subtle exploration of quiet moments. The gentle, almost fragile instrumentation pairs perfectly with Sean’s pensive vocals and leaves one to reflect on the journey the band has taken them through.
Shoegaze haze, cathartic noise, and unexpected twists make this debut shine. It’s fresh and exciting, yet comfortable in its rawness. Steel Wool is a potent introduction to a band unafraid of blurring genre lines.
Art by Cayla Blachman
