The feeling gotten from
Riddle of Steel? Three guys from St. Louis who like power pop and like old-school metal even more. They blend the two styles with ease on Got This Feelin', and the result is a homage to several components of rock & roll. "The Sunshine Strangler" (although it misfires with muddy vocals) also shows their influence from post-hardcore bands such as
Shiner and
Jawbox. Dates with
Rye Coalition,
Dismemberment Plan,
Cave In,
Les Savy Fav, and
Minus the Bear not only earn them street cred but also is further proof of their ability to fit comfortably among diverse artists. "The Lovers of Nothing" is
Sloan with an attitude, merging melody with chugging guitar riffs, and follows with such fully charged tunes as "Baby Bird" and "Got This Feelin'." They take a step off their chosen path when the subdued "Invisible Hands" is lead by pretty, ringing guitar, later contrasting with manic, almost
Iron Maiden-like guitar work on "This Is a House of Lies." Rock on. ~ Kenyon Hopkin