Steve Moakler Delivers A Solid EP For His First Country Release
Steve Moakler’s co-write on Dierks Bentley’s inspiring title-track “Riser” introduced him to a
new fan base in country music, but a sudden success he is not. Those who have followed his
career have known Moakler since All The Faint Lights was released in 2009 (or go back further
to his 2008 Like I Mean It EP) and like many others, his hard work has led him to this overdue
moment. Now he’s returning to the mic as he officially presents himself to the country world
with his first EP, the self-titled Steve Moakler.
The album starts off with a heartfelt introduction to Moakler’s home town, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. “Steel Town” begins with a spoken testimonial by a resident about the harsh
weather, setting the scene and allowing the listener to put him/herself right there with him. His
voice fades and Moakler begins his story about one of the towns at the heart of blue-collar
America, accompanied in the background by acoustic and solemn slide guitar. He describes the
football loving, hardworking residents who “do the work the world revolves around,” waiting
for the whistle to blow to end the work day and celebrate with a cold one. Written by Moakler
and Grammy-winning songwriter Casey Beathard, "Steel Town,” further confirms Moakler is a
first class story teller:
In a steel town you learn how to bend and not break
How to hang in, how to cut lose, how to find a way
How to start with nothin’ build it from the ground
Everything that matters most I learned about..
In a steel town
His current radio single, “Suitcase,” is picking up a lot of steam and that’s really not much of a
surprise. Written by Barry Dean, Luke Laird (who also produced the EP) and Thomas Rhett,
“Suitcase” talks about how the materialistic desires of others do not faze him; as long as he has
time to spend with his girl he is happy. With an extremely catchy chorus, it was the perfect pick
for his first radio single.
Moakler continues to show his talent and variety with the next two tracks. "Jealous Girl” leans
more towards pop with an electric guitar solo and chorus that’s reminiscent of Keith Urban,
while the melancholy "Summer Without Her" tells the story of a guy who’s going through
summer post-heartbreak, and all he wants is her:
Summer without her
No the sun ain’t as gold as the memories I hold, so I’ve been
Thinking about her
Could you tell her I still want her?
Yeah it just ain’t summer without her
The fifth and final track is "Love Drunk," a lighthearted song comparing his love to the effects of
getting drunk. It’s a topic that's been slightly overdone but Moakler's version is very fresh and
catchy. Between the lyrics, beat, and infectious sing-along chorus, it just screams “sun and fun”
and would be (and should be) the perfect addition to the radio this summer.
Moakler delivers a solid EP with songs that show off his songwriting skills and covers topics
from his hometown, to heartbreak, to love. It’s a great introduction for his new found fans (and
a great addition for those who already know him). It leaves us waiting for more, as the five
tracks go by way too fast.
Steve Moakler is available on all outlets. “Suitcase” can currently be heard on country radio.
