New Artist: The Steps

The Steps are a young Austin-based quartet specializing in fashionable old-school punk rock. Their self-titled debut was released last year under the supervision of Chris "Frenchie" Smith (Dandy Warhols, Explosions in the Sky, Jet) and turned a few heads here (Austin Monthly, Paste Magazine) and in Japan (Rolling Stone). Their sound is simple and straightforward, a no-frills take on a familiar, but exciting formula that makes for more than a few great moments.

Tunes like the first single, "Dagger," the classic rocker "Outlaw," and the Jet-eque "Cold Floors" showcase the band's raucous, fun sound with frontman Will Thompson's earnest vocals, sweet guitar work, and an overall confidence that makes The Steps a band worth your ears' time. If this debut is any indication of what's to come, I'm eager to hear more from these guys soon.

Check them out on MySpace to hear a few tracks or head over to iTunes to purchase the album.