Customer Reviews

Let's Get It on

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Dealing a new royal hand to the fledging post-hardcore scene and helping to re-invent the staggering NYC punk scene in the process, The Step Kings have come forth to claim a throne holding all the aces. The full-length follow-up to the limited edition, self-released Seven Easy Steps EP, Let's Get It On! are "twelve jolting tales" from the Jersey side of the Hudson reflecting in the NYHC image and pop-punk appeal. The Step Kings are three well versed musicians executing the traditional power-trio format with poise and finesse. This results in well written and equally well performed songs filled with tight riffs, dance-along grooves and crafted melodies. Each is a minature tale of the NY state of mind with a unique up-beat twist in the musical presentation. What sets the Step Kings apart from the average post-hardcore band are their unique use of harmonies. The pairing of Fern (vocals, guitar) and Bob McLynn (vocals, bass) allows for layering of lyrics and vocal couter-point plus seperate lead vocal executions. This adds dynamics and diversity, accentuating melodies, spawinging harmonies and creating memorable, sing and chant-along songs. Getting it on with a NYHC stance, while keeping the melodies strong is a very delicate line to walk, yet the Step Kings do it in a commanding fashion. There is enough aggression to keep the hardcore kids slamming while allowing for the more commercial leaning mind to still feel apart of the action.

Brilliantly produced by Machine (Pitchshifter, Zombie, hed p.e., Spite) in the band's hometown stomping-grounds, Let's Get It On! captures fully the live attitude and emotion exudeded by the trio. From full-on punk aggression to straight-up rock romps the trio slams down an unmatchable post hard-core stance straight from the heart. The Step Kings hold the cards to bring the house down by presenting a respectable name to cross-over punk-inspired-rock and claim a throne on high as the undisputed fun-core kings tapping the working-man's heart in the pit.

This up-and-coming band has produced some it's finest work yet. This CD is a must have! I especially like "Do It Again".

If your are into the whole rap metal scene that The Step Kings are a band that you should add to your list. They keep great beats and rock the house. If you are into Roadrunner Records this is one of the better bands on the label I think. Now they are no Slipknot or Machine Head but they kick butt. If you like Papa Roach, Primer 55, or Reveille you will like The Step Kings.

The Step Kings are yet another band into the foray of the rap-metal/hardcore genre. However, they're not just another band. Most songs are really powerful and successfully mix hardcore & melody to make for a different type of sound. I've seen these guys in concert, and they are a powerful live group as well. Check it out, you won't be disappointed.

Best Tracks: Imbalance, Independence Day, Get It!,

A truly under-rated band. They were... The StepKings.
I first heard this band back in 99, when they released their independent label version of "Let's Get It On!" I heard them on a local college station. From there, I was instantly hooked by their sound, their songs, and their approach. One the few bands that I rave about.
I still have their CDs, and to this day, I still enjoy them.
From the opening track "Vibe" to the final track "Eleven" this album keeps you in motion, and keeps your attention. Each song tells a story, sucking you in, and interpreting what life is like for them.
Well written and performed, it would be unfair to lump them in with the "Nu-metal" Genre, because they don't sound like any other band. It's melodic, and it has that feel-good vibe to it (Listen to "Get it!" and "Vibe").
The cover "Another Brick In The Wall" is even different from the original version. It's quicker in some parts, and slower in others, but it's well done, and it has that "Stepking" sound stamped right on it.
In my opinion, the entire album is a must listen to because each track is good in it's own right, and you can listen to it from beginning to end. There is also a bonus track of them goofing around and playing a silly song (The Indy version has the F-word lesson in between some songs), letting you know that there is always a good time to be had.
Both singers give it that distinct vibe Fern (Guitar) does the melodic singing and Bob (Bassist) does the rapping like singing. Both voices mesh nicely, are well heard without you reaching for the lyricsheet.
Like most CDs, this may not be for everyone, but it's worth a listen or two. Sometimes, a little variety is always good.

I live in the area these guys are from and I love to see local talent hit it big. I heard of them and saw them once at a show locally. They didn't sound good at all live but I wrote it off as maybe it was a bad show, you know, bad soundman at the club and stuff. Well I wasted my money on this CD. You can't hear the vocals to good. and you can barely hear the bass at all. And all the damn songs sound the same. If this is the future of metal or heavy music to come, then the future is bleak. What happened to bands playing they're instruments well,grant it the drummer is awesome and should play in another band. And why are new bands afriad to diversify they're songs. Heavy is good, fast is good but hey mix it up. I wouldn't recommend this CD to anyone, it is a waste of money. Well I'm about to buy a CD from another band in my area on amazon named "savant". I just hope I'm not throwing away anymore of my hard earned money to support horrible local acts.

This is an amazing cd and it has a few hilarious hidden tracks! It's oozing with energy - great job guys!

I live in the area this band is from, I bought thier CD after hearing how good they are. They are just another Hip/Hop - metal hybrid, that has gotten so annoying latly. Can't bands play good music anymore???????? These guys can't.

New Jersey's Step Kings have recently released their long-awaited debut record on Roadrunner Records, featuring quite an explosive blast of music from a mere threesome. The drummer is very loud, and sort of drowns out any chance of hearing the bass. The vocals are often melodic, but I can never hear the main parts of the lyrics no matter how loud I turn my stereo. Let's Get It On does feature some good songs, like Vibe, Right is Wrong, and Move On. However, the rest of the record is plain repeats of these three songs. If this is the future of heavy music as we know it, the future will be pretty sad. I think the main reason why I don't like this CD is not the disability to hear the singer, it is the fact that I can't seem to take the band seriously. They are kind of comedy-metal to me, and I can't help thinking while I'm listening, this is just a joke. It is kind of like a better Methods of Mayhem. Maybe they should add another member, it may make them more powerful. Still not very horrible, tolerable. Check out Cold's new album if you want real melodic music.