Relix - On The Verge - Steel Toed Slippers

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On The Verge

Steel Toed Slippers

Los Angeles, Calif. *Not Just Kid Rock *
www.steeltoedslippers.com

Most kids spend their high-school years studying for standardized tests and preparing for college. Humboldt, Calif.-based teens Will Nicoll (guitar) and Matt Moss (drums) focused their energy on making music together. The result of that creative exploration, with the addition of bassist Nick Maury, is Steel Toed Slippers. The young band (Moss is only 19) quickly recognized the limitations of Humboldt County. Following Nicoll’s high school graduation, he and Moss struck out for LA, where they caught the ears of such music luminaries as Kenny Gradney (Little Feat) and Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction). The members’ musical training comes through clearly in their country-inflected power-trio blues. The songwriting belies the musicians’ age, covering such heavy topics as Nicoll’s older brother’s loss of a limb in Iraq, an event that occurred while Nicoll was a high school freshman, which was “that real emotional jolt that started me on writing songs.” Bolstered by tight, solidly-performed instrumentation, Nicoll, in particular, stands out with his muscular guitar licks driving his compositions. The band has just released their self-titled debut LP, available for free via Bandcamp.

Comments

There are 9 comments associated with this post

bear August 17, 2012, 17:55:23

Will and Matt have magnetic musical chemistry. Always finishing each others sentences instrumentally .Cant wait to See them at the Roxy on sunset next Weds.

Rodcore August 17, 2012, 17:59:51

These kids are tight and talented and put it down. This review is touching on it but they are really something to experience live…

Topanga Howie August 17, 2012, 18:08:17

These guys are the real deal. Serious, hard-working players who get better every time I see them, and don’t sound like anyone else. Don’t miss them if they come your way!

Dr. Funk August 17, 2012, 18:39:07

Awesome band, I highly recommend you check’em out! They have musical talent well beyond their years. These guys can seriously play.

Son Vo August 17, 2012, 19:11:27

Love these guys! Spot on soulful singing, songwriting, arrangements, and great live performances with tone and skills that exceed their years, by many years! I look forward to seeing them have a fruitful musical career.

dave raney August 17, 2012, 22:18:43

As a Little Feat fan, I became aware of Will and Matt and as I listened more I began to picture them as a modern day Lowell George/Richie Hayward duo. Intriguing, rangeful and soul touching lyrics with tightness and talented instumentation. When meeting them they were as kind Humboldt nugs. Caution: their CD is addictive!

Canyon Creek Funk Master August 18, 2012, 00:31:33

Steel Toed Slippers are the best up and coming band on the West Coast. I am actually about to go watch the jam live in 5…4…3…2..1…....

rocky August 20, 2012, 02:29:12

so cool – great band

Rock n roll doctor August 21, 2012, 13:17:16

Just downloaded the cd. Sounds pretty cool! Gonna try and make the show at the roxy