Reviews

Review of Hiraeth at The Bandcamp Diaries: “A diverse collection of songs with a diverse and mercurial artist who has a lot to say!”

Review of Hiraeth at Stereo Stickman: “a stunning collection of original tracks … gorgeously organic … perfectly soulful and melodically skillful.”

Review of Threnody at Rock the Pigeon: “National Steel sounds unique and classic at the same time.”

Review of Threnody at Beach Sloth: “National Steel sculpts a soothing, classic psychedelic rock sound with the tenderness of “Threnody”. Sounding akin to a series of long-lost AM hits….”

Earlier reviews:

“What’s perhaps most appealing about this artist is the earnestness and genuine feelings expressed. No cynicism, glibness, self-indulgence, wallowing, gimmicks or swagger – just a refreshing feeling of open-hearted, self-reliant, intelligent, reflective, old Americanism. And a great voice and musical ability to deliver the feeling.”

“[National Steel] has a respectable pop quality that hearkens back to a more carefree time where a little bit of wistfulness went a long way…and the pop sensibilities of Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, etc., were not too far past.”

“[National Steel’s] music has such a timeless quality to it.”

“Reminds me of some Gram Parson’s moments, in fact, in your reach, with even cosmological lyrics to boot! Hard to be original in this space, but you are doing it.”

“BTW, I just wanted to let you know, I was on the train going home from work and the sun was going down over the bay and then Find You Tonite came up on my iPod. WOW!!” – from a fan email

“Greatness in this genre is rare, since it is pretty easy to mimic and there are many people that are pretty good at it. Petty is a mimic, really, and not a pioneering artist. National Steel, with the voice and lyrical nuance, seems to be the real deal.”

“I listened to three hours of music yesterday, including a new Wild Sweet Orange album full of well produced hooky songs, but yours was the one I was humming hours later, even though I had to go back and figure out whose song it was. A hit in waiting.”

“It’s the lyric(s) that sets National Steel apart. You don’t get cosmological poetry that fits so naturally in too many songs, particularly ones with a country shuffle. Upscales the whole thing.”