The must have, album of the year

Get the newest release from Worn Records
Earlstown Winter - Easy Roads, Easy Skies

New Wilco? YES!!!!

The Space Lab

Oh man, I'm so stoked about this new Wilco album!

New Release from Worn Records

The time is finally upon us. Although this album from Earlstown Winter has been delayed for the last month, it is now here. Their first release "Easy Roads, Easy Skies" has the makings of an instant classic, and we are extremely excited about having it ready to ship out.

"A lot has been accomplished over the past four months since we signed the deal, and much more in the several years since we recorded it. It's a great feeling to have it in our hands." commented John Simmonds, founder of Worn Records and producer of the album.

Make sure to order your copy of this great folk/rock, alt-country, solid collective of pure music writing genius now, and be sure to check out Earlstown Winter live in Vancouver on February 1st at The Media Club.

Buy "Easy Roads, Easy Skies" Now, Click Here

We're back up and running!

It's been a few weeks of waiting for Google to get their collective head out of their ass, and fix blogger.com so I can have access to The Steamroller again. I still have a few bugs to work out, but at least I can post reviews, articles, and a new Indie Band Showdown. Normally I post a new poll Sunday nights, but because the page just started working again a few minutes ago, and I don't have everything together that I need for the next poll, I am going to try and post it tomorrow. Until then, thanks for your patience, and sorry for the inconvenience. I'm looking forward to getting back on track and listening more indie music.

John Simmonds
Worn Records/The Steamroller

Double Down - Review

The country-rock or "alternative country" genre is fast becoming a crowded one, and because of this, it is becoming harder and harder for a band rooted in these styles to create something that is still new, unique, and exiting. However, combining hard rock, country and blues, Denver Colorado's Double Down are one such band that seem to be determined to stand out from the pack with their latest EP Still Motion.

It would be hard to argue that the six songs offered are packed full of energy, passion and sincerity, with every track being played as if it may be their last. You can almost smell the dirt, sweat, and whiskey with each passing song, which all seem to be begging to be played live rather than within the confines of the recording.

The musicianship is very good, with the only criticism being the sometimes flamboyant guitar solos that somehow seem to contradict the humble country roots and elegant subtlety of some songs. The songs are catchy while still retaining their rawness, and the lyrics of Jeff Browning add to the rollicking atmosphere of the music.

The best songs are the ones that stick closest to their country roots while still including a healthy dose of blues infused rock such as "Other Side" and "Whiskey Driver" rather than the more rock based tracks like "Sometimes" which tend to trade their timeless roots rock sound for more of a grunge meets country aesthetic that isn't quite as compelling.

Overall, Double Down are a band that manages to stand out within a crowded country-rock landscape, which is becoming very a hard thing to do. Although it still seems as if they are still discovering their sound, they show promise through their energy, passion, honesty, as well as their ability to meld the rawness of rock n roll with the earnestness of country and blues.

Double Down

- Clino

Technorati Tags: double down, alt-country, indie, colorado

Earlstown Winter @ The Media Club Feb 1

Come out to see Earlstown Winter perform at The Media Club in Vancouver. The show is on Feb 1st, and we will have the new "Easy Roads, Easy Skies" cd available. If you can't wait that long, Johnathan Truefitt will be performing solo, at Tree's Organic Coffee house on January 19th. We'll see you at the shows!

The Steamroller on myspace

While The Steamroller - Indie Music Blog is being repaired, we are currently re-directing our readers to our myspace page. Sorry for the inconvenience. We will also be skipping this weeks "Indie Band Showdown" due to these difficulties we are experiencing. Reviews are being posted on Myspace, and will be re-posted on The Steamroller once back up and running, along with the next "Indie Band Showdown".

Happy New Year, from everyone at Worn Records.