Photos from Bill.

Although I don’t feel too strongly about their new album, I was more than little excited to see the return of American Steel to the Big Apple. I was, however, a little worried about how the crowd would react to the band. The showcase, which featured both Lawrence Arms side projects the Falcon and Sundowner, along with Fake Problems, Tim Barry, and the Loved Ones, might have been either the perfect audience or the worst one. I still couldn’t decide but as soon as they started with the new number “Sons of Avarice,” I knew there were a handful of Am. Steel faithful in attendance. The band, unfortunely, played for only 20 minutes and did not play “Optimist,” but it didn’t matter really in the end. The band seemed incredibly happy to be back and if anything, it made me look forward to the Fest that much more.

More thoughts and photos after the jump.

The Falcon and Sundowner were both enjoyable, as expected, with the highlight being the Falcon’s “anti Lawrence Arms” t-shirts. Tim Barry was my next favorite act of the night. After years of bellowing along with Beau Beau and Avail, Tim seems a bit relieved at times while performing his solo stuff. Not really relieved like “thank god I don’t have to play Avail songs tonight” but more so the fact that his new stuff seems to suit the punk rock vet a bit better now. I love both, so whatever.

I have always liked the Loved Ones but there always seemed to be something missing. I didn’t know how to place or where it was but I think they have found it with the addition of Chris and Dave, formerly of the Explosion, on bass and guitar. They are a completely different beast now and I welcome the change. Their new album, which is due next year, should be freaking amazing. The chemistry is clearly there now.

Tags: American Steel, Avail, CMJ, CMJ Music Marathon 2007, Lawrence Arms, News, Review, Sundowner, The Falcon, The Loved Ones, Tim Barry, show review //