"TownHallSteps" – TownHallSteps

townhallstepsalbum

Sydney’s TownHallSteps are a band on the brink of making a real impression. Their self-titled debut album shows a band with a lot of promise, who are still trying to figure themselves out.

On popping the disc into my CD, I thought I was in for a chill-out dance album. The opener, imaginatively titled “Intro” is atmospheric and electronic. It’s an accomplished track, but if its job is to introduce the band it doesn’t do a very good job.

What follows is a disc which seems to have a bit of an identity crisis. On one hand there are singalong punk-pop anthems popularised by the likes of Good Charlotte, Fall Out Boy, and Panic at the Disco. TownHallSteps don’t bring anything new to songs like “Still Alive,” “Disco,” and the first single, “Anywhere But Here.” Although having said that, the tracks are solid, equal to anything the more seasoned bands like them have produced. They may be a little formulaic, but they’re a lot of fun.

It’s when Town Hall Steps walks to a different beat that things get really interesting. “Holding On,” “The Direction,” and the orchestral “Trouble Little Girl” show much more depth. They’re anchored in heart and passion, and that makes them some of the strongest tracks on this album. I’m also in love with the band’s sweet rock anti-love song “Jessie.” It may not be as dramatic as the other songs I’ve mentioned, but again it shows the band’s individuality.

TownHallSteps shows great potential with their debut album. They’ve intrigued me. I look forward to hearing what comes next.

Images used with permission from AAA Entertainment

TownHallStepsTake Album to United States

Sydney band TownHallSteps are beginning to see the fruits of their labour. The local lads will play shows in Australia and the United States to celebrate their brand new single “Ask For More.” The song comes from the band’s self-titled debut, which will hit stores on September 14.

The quintet began writing and touring in 2004, inspired by contemporary punk outfits Jimmy Eat World and The Get Up Kids. The momentum began to build, with the band earning support slots on tours with Simple Plan, Avril Lavigne, The All American Rejects, and local acts like Kisschasy, Faker, and Gyroscope. In 2005 the band won the national final of the World Battle of the Bands, and headed to Hong Kong to compete against the best young acts on the international scene. In 2006 they released their debut EP, Breakdowns, which peaked at number 10 on the charts.

In 2008 TownHallSteps began to experiment with electronic sounds and strong beats in the vein of The Killers and Coldplay. Another EP, Disco, encapsulated the sound.

It’s been a long time coming, but the band’s debut album is almost here. The first single, “Ask For More” was written about a night out with the boys that’s interrupted by the appearance of a pretty girl.

“All of a sudden every guy will instinctively act different, trying to make the funniest joke to make her laugh, buying her drinks as if money is no issue and all these things to try and impress her,” drummer Ryan Lambert explained. “What most guys don’t usually realise is that girls see straight through this and after all their efforts, usually leaves the conversation with the same impression of these boys as she had when she entered”.

The band will play a couple of local shows this month before jetting to the United States. They’ll play iconic venues in Hollywood, Las Vegas, Santa Monica, and New York before jetting home for more Aussie gigs.

See TownHallSteps at the following venues.

19 September 2009 – Bondi Pavilion (All Ages)
25 September 2009 – The Basement, Blacktown (Licensed All Ages)
9 October 2009 – Hollowbody @ Trip, Santa Monica
12 October 2009 – Viper Room, Hollywood
13 October 2009 – The Roxy, Hollywood
17 October 2009 – Beauty Bar, Las Vegas
19 October 2009 – Fontana’s, New York
7 November 2009 -: Metrodome, Central Coast (All Ages)
27 November 2009 -: Penrith Panthers

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment