Steel Train 10.12.09 | House of Blues | Chicago, IL review by Ashley Snider photos by Annette Essey Steel Train has a classic rock feel to them that I love. In a music world filled with so many genres, sometimes it’s nice to see a band with a simple, traditional rock n’ roll sound. Lead singer and guitarist Jack Antonoff, who was sporting a curly haired fro when I last saw Steel Train, now has a hairstyle to go with his fashion sense. He looked like a full on greaser from the 50s. Danny Zuko’s long-lost cousin, perhaps. He has all the cool confidence of a greaser in his performance style and crowd interactions. As an opening act, they were able to get the crowd to willingly participate with them, which is something to be commended. Not all opening acts can grab the attention of the audience, especially when most in attendance are only there to see the headliner.
They took the crowd through their set of great all around rock tunes. “I Feel Weird” and “Alone On The Sea” exhibited the band’s rawness as they fell into aggressive guitar strums and longer solos that displayed both talent and the ability to improvise. Amidst a set full of foot stomping, hand clapping tunes, Steel Train performed their country-twanged “Road Song.” All the band members came together in a circle around the center microphone, and accompanied by Antonoff’s guitar alone, blended harmonies and parts to make the song sound incredible.
Although the band, as an opening act, only played six songs, they had the energy of a headlining act, the talent and sound of the rock stars of old, and the smooth, cool style that would rival any of the T-Birds. Check out the full set of Steel Train concert photos. >> www.myspace.com/steeltrain