You may not know much about El Salvador’s music scene, or about the country at all – but you may soon want to.
In the form of rock trio Steady Rollin, the Central American nation may have an act to put them on the map.
Promoting their style as a ‘powerful combination of blues, rock and story-telling lyrics’, Steady Rollin draw inspiration from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Metallica and Cream; the soundtracks of their youth.
Frontman Fernando Poma is the emotional force behind their output, and in their latest release ‘‘Cause I Love You More’ he turns the heartache up to 11.
At seven minutes long, the single takes listeners on an earnest journey of Poma’s remorse over a lost relationship and his lament over how his love for a former partner will never be equalled by another.
It’s described by the band on the accompanying YouTube video as a ‘like a rock opera’; a label that is certainly appropriate when considering the use of key changes and different instrumental angles.
Compared with the band’s previous releases, ‘Cause I Love You More edges towards the more melodramatic sides of rock.
It’s an understandable choice given the subject matter, and an effective one at times, but a more polished product could’ve been created with more experience in the field.
Poma’s vocals struggle at the top of the range required by the song. Kudos to him for giving it his all, though.
The instrumentals are engaging and evocative for the most part, but at some points during the run time, the transitions are a little clunky.
Benjamín Andrade and Jerry Pardo provide excellent backup to Poma’s vision on the drums and bass respectively.
As Poma correctly mentioned in an interview prior to the song’s release, there is pressure on all three of the band’s components to work to their best ability.
He said: “With a trio you’re forced to play the best you can because nothing is hidden. It brings out the best of us.”
It was the song as a whole that left a little to be desired.
It’s probably the band’s best example of storytelling to date, and another showcase of their skills coming together.
To create something on a level with their 1970s and ‘80s heroes, though, there needs to be a bit more identity woven in and a little less focus on aiming for the spectacular.
Salvadoran music is in an interesting place right now, and Steady Rollin will be hoping to play a key role in leading a charge of talent.
Their experience on the scene should work in their favour, and if they can harness the inspiration of their musical heroes and the plentiful culture of their homeland, they could achieve something special.
With a new album in the pipeline to add to their 2017 debut ‘Love & Loss’, the band are striking while the iron’s still hot.
Their music has appeal in markets all over the world – it’s just a case of making it unmistakably their own and forging an identity.
That’s easier said than done, of course, but in ‘Cause I Love You More, they have plenty of potential.
Here’s hoping we hear more coming out of El Salvador soon.
Rating: 6/10
Feature Image Credit: Quite Great PR