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STEEL PANTHER
Lower The Bar
2017 Open E Records

Lower The Bar is the fourth album from glam metal act STEEL PANTHER, and the follow-up to 2014’s All You Can Eat. You already know the band: Michael Starr (vocals), Satchel (guitar), Lexxi Foxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums). Let’s take a look at what these modern-day poets have brought us this time.

The album opens with “Goin’ In The Back Door” which – believe it or not – is not about going in the rear of a building. With lyrics like “Goin’ in the back door, gonna make a lot of noise. Gonna pay it forward, when I leave the door open for the rest of the boys”, you (probably) won’t be left wondering. Anyway, this song kicks the album off in awesome fashion.

Track number two is called “Anything Goes”, and is all about attempting some hilarious sexual exploits. In this instant classic, Satchel lays down a riff straight out of the ‘80s glam metal scene while Starr encourages you with: “Make her wear a mask like Nikki Sixx, bring a German Shepherd on into the mix, yeah – anything goes”. “Poontang Boomerang” tells the heartwarming story of a Tinder meet-up who won’t take no for an answer. The video for the song can be viewed on KNAC.COM right HERE.

Power ballad “That’s When You Came In” is actually a pretty touching song with some classic SP lyrics such as “It doesn’t matter where we go, you’ll always be the one I want to blow me. ‘Cause you blow me away”. If that ain’t wedding material, I don’t know what is. “Wrong Side Of The Tracks” describes the frustration of trying to live the high life near Beverly Hills without enough money. It’s another solid and rocking track.

“Two in the pink, one in the brown. STEEL PANTHER’s comin’ all up in your town.” “Now The Fun Starts” is a bit of a departure for SP, featuring a bass-driven, slow grinding tempo. One of Satchel’s most intriguing solos, and Starr’s highest notes accent the song. “Pussy Ain’t Free” is one of the best tracks on the album, featuring a driving rhythm and more hilarious lyrics you’ll relate to. “Wasted Too Much Time” laments wasting years in a relationship that went nowhere. I’m sure everyone can associate with that feeling. “I Got What You Want” is an ingratiating track for any guy out there who needs help convincing the ladies of his “assets”. The backing keyboard riff from the golden days of new wave is a cool touch. “Walk Of Shame” is another fun track that is reminiscent of an AEROSMITH style, with boogie riffs and blues harp. The album closes with a spot-on cover of CHEAP TRICK’s “She’s Tight”, which features guest vocals from Robin Zander. The video also features Zander and can be viewed on KNAC.COM right HERE.

The mix of the album is once again phenomenal. STEEL PANTHER albums always sound great, and Lower The Bar is no deviation from the band’s track record. Lower The Bar is pretty raunchy, and the band makes no apologies.

The world can be a pretty shitty place at times, and if there’s one band that can make you forget about politics, your job, your life, etc. – then that band is STEEL PANTHER! Some of the best times I’ve ever had were at STEEL PANTHER concerts and I’m looking forward to seeing them again on the tour for this album. Now the fun starts!

4.6 Out Of 5.0

Grab your copy of Lower The Bar in the KNAC.COM More Store HERE.