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 CD. The opener, imaginatively titled “Intro” is atmospheric and electronic. It’s an accomplished, 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.
Image source: TownHallSteps website