Album Review – The SteelDrivers “Bad For You”
The challenge for every modern bluegrass band or musician that doesn’t count themselves in the company of the strict preservationists is to uphold the bluegrass requirements that are considered some of the most rigid in all of country and roots, while still doing something that compels the modern ear, and adds something meaningful to the canon of recorded music. For the SteelDrivers, the way they accomplish this is by bringing in the influences of other roots genres to bluegrass instrumentation, namely the soulful, gut-punching, testifying warbles and moans of the blues and vintage R&B that imbibe their music with a measure of blood and color that other bluegrass music just doesn’t provide.
If you’re looking for superpicking and wild runs on wood and wire that wow you with instrumental prowess, The SteelDrivers are not exactly where you turn. That’s not to say they can’t excel in this realm as well, as they prove on the instrumental of this new record, “Mama Says No.” But they separate themselves from the herd of buttoned up bluegrass pickers and jam band newgrassers by bringing that across-the-tracks influence to the long-established bluegrass medium, and then excelling at it.
Taking the ancient appeal of both bluegrass and the blues, and adding a bit of attitude that’s probably more akin to Southern rock, The SteelDrivers fill a void in music we never knew existed before, but that would now feel gaping if it was ever vacated. That’s why many SteelDrivers fans winced when they heard that Chris Stapleton was leaving the band that he helped put on the map. But they weathered that storm, and added to their legacy when Gary Nichols filled in admirably for Stapleton, and brought a new dimension to the group. Then when Nichols departed in 2017, many wondered what was next, even if the nucleus of the band could remain in tact.
But like many long-standing bluegrass bands that have at times featured a revolving cast, The SteelDrivers are quickly graduating to being considered more of an institution than a simple bluegrass group, helped along with their four Grammy nominations and one win. Besides, fiddler and songwriter Tammy Rodgers, bassist Mike Fleming, and banjoist Richard Bailey have always been the heart of the outfit.
Who knew that The SteelDrivers could not only weather the loss of two high-profile frontman, but still somehow feel like they’ve experienced an upgrade. This is the case with the addition of Kelvin Damrell to the group—a somewhat random dude accidentally discovered on YouTube who with all due respect to Chris Stapleton and Gary Nichols, sounds like he was put on earth to front the SteelDrivers more than anyone.
Soul drips from every note Kelvin Damrell sings, and he fits expertly with the bluesy approach The SteelDrivers bring to bluegrass, the songwriting of the band, and their new record Bad For You specifically. Right out of the chute with the title track, this is music that tears at your heart and holds its emotions heavy. Poor decisions and regret define this record, from the warnings embedded in “Bad For You,” to the plausible deniability in “The Bartender,” to a professed killer knowing he’ll get away with his crime but will never be able to clear his conscience in “Innocent Man.” And you don’t just hear these cautionary tales, you feel them in your marrow thanks to the mood The SteelDrivers set that hangs like a foreboding brood over a wanted man’s head.
The SteelDrivers are considered just as much a songwriting collective as they are a performance syndicate and proving ground for lead singers. At no point does Bad For You feel light in its writing or less than stellar, while some may gravitate to this as the greatest attribute to the project. But it does bear mentioning that most of the songs on this new record stick close to familiar themes and modes to blues, R&B, and bluegrass, even though they do these themes better than most. The lyrics of the SteelDrivers fit the mood of the music just about perfectly, with little or no latency between the two you sometimes get in pure songwriting efforts with no purposeful musical direction like The SteelDrivers boast.
With a reverence and aptitude at reviving multiple cherished roots disciplines within their sphere of the bluegrass realm, and with a new lead singer that can supercharge songs that already hold a cherished place in the minds of established fans, the SteelDrivers aren’t just weathering storms, they’re taming the sea, and possibly just now hitting their stride with Bad For You.
1 3/4 Guns Up (8/10)
– – – – – – – – – – –
February 7, 2020 @ 9:28 am
This is of no disrespect to him, but I thought Kelvin was doing a Stapleton impersonation, he sounds like an off-brand version of him, to me at least. Still great music!
February 7, 2020 @ 10:00 am
If he’s as new to the game as it sounded like from Trigger’s description, being able to be a budget Stapleton is a great place to start–all great musicians begin with imitation before they can develop their own style.
February 7, 2020 @ 12:36 pm
If I’m being 100% honest, I think that Kelvin Damrell sounds better than Chris Stapleton. I totally understand the Stapleton comparisons, but Kelvin can’t help that he sounds like Stapleton when he opens his mouth, no different than Sturgill sounding like Waylon when he opens his. That doesn’t mean these singers are trying to ape anyone, and I feel it’s a little unfair to them to say so. Chris Stapleton left The SteelDrivers a decade ago, and most of their legacy has been defined by Gary Nichols singing out front. The SteelDrivers found the best frontman for the job in Kelvin, and sounding like Chris Stapleton is not a bad thing.
February 7, 2020 @ 5:42 pm
Trigger,
I have to disagree with you. This dude sounds good- darn good- but Chris Stapleton is the most talented vocalist country music may have ever had. In what world And in what way does Kelvin sound better??
February 8, 2020 @ 9:26 am
I guess it’s just an opinion. Not a knock on Stapleton at all. Stapleton’s a much better songwriter and guitar player for sure (not sure Kelvin writes at all at this point). I’ve seen both perform live and I just think Kelvin brings more passion and has more inflection. Again, not knocking Stapleton. We’re still talking about the top of top male singers.
February 7, 2020 @ 8:26 pm
Tbh I’d much rather Kelvin sound like Chris Stapleton than, say, Sam Hunt.
February 7, 2020 @ 10:10 am
I was listening to this album and somebody said “I love Chris Stapleton” and I told them it wasn’t and they didn’t believe me. I completely understand the comparison, they do sound really similar. I personally love the sound, and of it can’t be Stapleton, I’m glad it’s this guy
February 7, 2020 @ 12:13 pm
The exact same thing happened with my fiancé. I played “I Choose You” in my car and she thought Stapleton has rejoined the Steeldrivers! I told her it wasn’t him and she legitimately could not believe it.
February 7, 2020 @ 10:23 am
Can’t wait to listen today. So many good artists with releases today.
February 7, 2020 @ 10:24 am
Love the sound of the SteelDrivers…but…the voice of Kelvin Damrell…nope…sorry.
“Bad For You” is so to say a “station changer”.
Much better: “Falling Man”, “Glad I’m Gone” & “When A Heart Breaks” with some fine harmony singing.
New & In The Pipeline (Bluegrass & Co):
Katy Moffatt – Chrysalis – EP – Release Date: 02/13
Sierra Hull – 25 Trips – Album – Release Date: 02/27
Kristy Cox – No Headlights – Album – Release Date: 02/27
Dale Ann Bradley – Oh Darlin’ – Album – Release Date: 02/21
Jim Lauderdale – “Cackalacky” – Single/Track Release Date: 01/30
Chosen Road – Appalachian Worship (Deluxe Edition) – Album – Release Date: 02/20
Kim Richey – A Long Way Back: The Songs Of Glimmer – Album – Release Date: 03/26
+
Ashley McBryde – “Hang In There Girl” – Single/Track – Release Date: 01/26
&
New Australian Tracks/Albums:
Kell – Tomorrow’s Too Late – EP – Release Date: 01/23
Fanny Lumsden – Fallow – Album – Release Date: 03/12
Allison Forbes – Bonedigger – Album – Release Date: 02/06
Aleyce Simmonds – Here & Now – Album – Release Date: 01/16
Andrew Farriss – Andrew Farriss – Album – Release Date: 05/14
Kelly Brouhaha – “Benjamin” – Single/Track – Release Date: 01/21
Luke O’Shea – There In The Ochre – Album – Release Date: 01/16
Leash & The Dusty Boots – Tennant Creek Truths – EP – Release Date: 01/14
Emily Hatton feat. Troy Kemp – “Maybe” – Single/Track – Release Date: 01/16
Hayley Jensen feat. Beccy Cole – “Angel” – Single/Track – Release Date: 02/02
Tracy McNeil & The Goodlife – You Be The Lightning – Album – Release Date: 02/13
Gareth Leach – “Down The Rabbit Hole” & “Old Crow Feather” – Double-Single/Tracks – Release Date: 02/02
February 7, 2020 @ 11:32 am
Don’t miss Frazey Ford’s new album, released today.
February 7, 2020 @ 11:13 am
I just wish they would move past Stapleton. I understand that he was a huge part of their sound, but he has moved on, and it would be nice if they would as well. They are talented musicians and songwriters, too good to be pigeonholing themselves into a Chris Stapleton Tribute band.
The first video that pops up on youtube for Kelvin Damrell is his entry into a Chris Stapleton cover contest. Don’t get me wrong, the guy can sing, but it’s plain that he’s is trying to sound like Stapleton. I really like Gary Rodgers, and it really felt like he was being pushed to sound like CS as well, which part of me wonders if that isn’t why he left the band.
February 7, 2020 @ 11:43 am
This band has always kicked some serious asses!
February 7, 2020 @ 1:04 pm
I’ve been a long time Steeldrivers fan, but the last couple of shows were zero-energy and really didn’t to their music justice at all. I hope Kelvin will add some life back into their stage act.
February 7, 2020 @ 1:39 pm
When I saw them in April, I thought they had a ton of energy, especially Kelvin. I think he’s the shot of youth the band needs.
February 7, 2020 @ 2:53 pm
Glad to hear it. The lack of energy may have been less on the Steeldrivers and more on our local scene not being that supportive of live music – my wife and I were probably the youngest people there by 25 years and the usually standing-only venue was converted to all seated just for that show. Saw Greensky Bluegrass in the same venue a couple of years back at it was electric, so hard to say. Still love the Steeldrivers sound and hope they keep it going.
February 7, 2020 @ 1:30 pm
Nothing wrong with Kelvin’s voice!! He could enunciate a little better for sure in the story telling genre. I liked Gary the best. He was uninhibited and creative and free spirited. I think the Steeldrivers have maintained a very high level through the transitions because they have such a solid core. Keep on playing!!
February 7, 2020 @ 1:32 pm
When I realized that “Falling man” was about 9/11 my gut twisted into knots, such a well written song
February 7, 2020 @ 2:11 pm
I’m actually able to say I followed these folks at the beginning. I saw them at my hometown bluegrass fest when Stapleton had just started. They were barnburners! Crowd ate em up. I’ve followed them since, seeing all the iterations save the current guy. I’m torn on it as I was sold on Gary Nichols. And of course I’m a Stapleton fan. So….I’m in general ok with Kelvin. I hate that they seem to go through singers so much but other bands have also, Lonesome River Band comes to mind. Remember, Dan Tyminski used to sing with them before joining Alison Krauss. Now they have Brandon Rickman and he’s great.
So, perhaps, I’ll give them a try Live with new guy. Honestly, the combination of Richards intricate , melodic banjo leads, dueling with Tammy Rogers glorious fiddling , really makes this band special, and I’m happy to see them continue.
February 8, 2020 @ 9:30 am
I think that , as Trigger points out , Steeldrivers do indeed fill a void musically. And they seem to be aware of that in their choice of material and personal . They are always focused on being Steeldrivers first , players and singers second ….at least to my ear. They are nothing if not consistent in that approach to the band and the music .They are , as are all great bands , greater than the sum of their parts and , in fact , most BG bands are familiar with personal change-ups and roll with them accordingly when the focus is the music …not a select ‘star ‘ in the ranks . There’s a soul and a grit to their brand of ‘grass that relies , in part , on the soul of the right lead singer . Stapleton had it in him and the band enabled him to nurture it through his writing and performances . And so too do the other guys they’ve recruited over time . The sound is still intact . They aren’t chasing a trend , they are just being true to the niche they’ve carved out for themselves ….a niche based on tradition …..and respecting the fan base that loves them for doing so .
February 8, 2020 @ 6:06 pm
I think the new guy is doing good. I guess some of the complainers don’t realize that Gary Nichols was the guy that took Chris Stapletons place, not Kelvin. They need to read before they judge. I think the Steeldrivers needs that Gary, Chris and Kelvin sounding vocals. I was afraid they would lose that. Keep being the Steeldrivers !
Rick
Steelhead !
February 11, 2020 @ 11:06 am
Folks, let’s face reality: The Steeldrivers burst onto the scene because of Stapleton’s voice, which was unheard in bluegrass until that point. His killer songwriting helped launch the career of this outstanding band. But ever since CS left, the band has struggled maintaining both those assets. At a workshop the band was presenting shortly after they Nichols had replaced CS, they said they had auditioned “hundreds” of singers in an attempt to find a match for CS unique voice. I’m a huge fan of the Steeldrivers, I have all their released recordings (and then some), and even I have to admit that I wouldn’t even know they had swapped out their vocalist again if you just played me a tune from their new record without knowing anything about who’s on the roster. This is by no means a criticism, it’s just reality. The SD have been, and possibly always will be struggling with the fact that one of their main supporting pillars broke away.
April 3, 2020 @ 6:54 pm
I love Chris Stapleton, however I love Kelvin’s vocals equally as well if not a little better. I actually think Kelvin is a better guitar player as well.
August 21, 2022 @ 10:26 am
Gary Nichols in my opinion was the best lead man!!