Eric Steckel: Black Gold Review

Black Gold, Eric Steckel’s follow up to the California Sessions EP, continues his journey to greater heights. However, Eric maintains the style he has come to embody. Ranging from amp’d up distortion, harkening tones of ’80s glam rock, to lighter tracks focusing on story told through soulful vocals, the album yet again shows Eric’s range as a blues rock artist. He’s not afraid to blur the lines between genres, yet always maintains the underlying blues progression to drive each track.

“Holding On” sets the tone for the album. Emerging as a hard biting jam, then mellowing out to softer shades, it keeps par with the album’s continuity. “El Camino” resembles a Deep Purple track, with a compelling rhythm guitar eluding to shrieking synthesizer. “Fugitive” is an upbeat toe tapper that turns up the heat. Eric delves into a surprising Alicia Keys cover on “If I Ain’t Got You”, a passionate rendition to showcase his sensitive side and sweet sweet vocal diversity.

Black Gold is a pleasant array of tracks, from instrumentals to covers, all with the Eric Steckel swagger. He has the uncanny ability to make his guitar do the talking when the vocals are on hiatus. His soulful touch allows him to cross many styles over a single album. It’s almost Clapton-esque the way he transitions from highs to lows, and everywhere in between.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– El Camino
– Fugitive
– My Darkest Hour
– Speed Of Light
– Texas 1983

The Big Hit

– Fugitive

Review by Don Tice

Buy the album: Amazon