Review of Out Of Your Element by One Step Closer

Pennsylvania. Not the first place you think of when you think “Indie Rock”, but this foursome from Oxford knows how to take music to a higher level.

The CD begins with a the song “My Miss Perception”, a song that kicks off with some slightly distorted guitar followed by the bluesy-feel vocals by Scott French. Pancake Thunder, a short song compared to the other songs on the record, is a catchy tune with a great guitar riff, and melodic vocals.

Being a metal head, two of my favorites are “Getting Even” and the last song on the record; “Serenity”. Getting even has a great, funky base riff that underlines the heavy guitar melody and somber vocals. Even though this isn't a “thrash song” it has a heaviness that sets it apart from the other songs on the album. The guitar riff around the 4 minute mark could rival some in most metal bands. The combination of Tyler Kilby's drums and Nick Lombardi's base towards the end, with Steve Lomardi's impressive axe work, bring the song to a climactic end. “Serenity”, the other- OK I'll just say it – hard rock song on the record kicks off with a cool Indie rock style guitar metal, then goes into a full blown 80's style metal riff with blues influence,. The song gets pretty heavy around the 2:43 mark with some more of the excellent guitar work I hear throughout the record.

“Red Eye”, the fourth track, is one of two ballads on the record. It kicks off with piano, which was a bit unexpected, and has a bit of an Elton John feel to it. The only negative to the song is it's six and a half minute length. If your in the mood for something different, “Out Of Your Element” is a great debut effort from One Step Closer. I give it 4.5 out of 5 for originality, talent and for taking the Indie Rock genre to a “heavier” level.

Listen to "Circling The Drain"

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