Gutterwail Records does it again! Unearthing long-lost tapes of The Steps and pressing a limited vinyl edition, we’re treated to frantic Ramones-fueled chops coupled with harmonies reminiscent of Buzzcocks and The Zeros, courtesy of singer Rick Carlisle. Formed in 1980 by guitarist Paul Almanza, The Steps comprised members as young as 16 years old, but they eventually earned opening slots for California stalwarts Social Distortion, The Vandals, and Mad Parade. Lo-fi production doesn’t mask the burgeoning songwriting of Almanza, but like many of their peers, the group quickly disbanded in 1984 before their plan to record a proper vinyl release. Their sole contribution was a master cassette tape with purportedly only 200 copies produced. Still, Gutterwail did a fine job with the source material, leaving nearly everything as it was to give first-time listeners a faithful reproduction of what was. Tracks like Unknown Lover, Weekend Plans, and Runaway capture teen angst and urgency, but War Games (Oh, What A Country) and Watch The Scene Fade Away are true standouts.
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