You know that feeling when you hear a song on the radio for the first time and it just hits you like a freight train, and you are left wondering who on earth is this?

Well, that very same thing happened here at NRR just a few months back on the discovery of Bomb Through The Breeze by Hannah Wicklund and The Steppin’ Stones.

Although a relative newcomer on the UK circuit, Hannah Wicklund has been honing her craft since the young age of 8. With her first paid gig at the age of just 9, the US guitar prodigy has been making a name for herself on the other side of the pond. And with frequent airplay on Planet Rock Radio, it looks as though the UK is set to follow suit to our transatlantic cousins.

Following its release Stateside last year, Hannah Wicklund and The Steppin’ Stones are getting ready for the UK release of their eponymous debut album in September. This being a precursor to the forthcoming Roadstars tour later in the year.

Whilst the second song of the album – Ghost maybe not quite as bombastic as the lead single and opening track, this sultry mid-tempo blues number certainly hits the spot. 

There is a real retro sound to many of Wicklund’s compositions. She may be only 22 years old but don’t be fooled by her age. Her playing and songwriting show maturity beyond her years. Songs such as Looking Glass certainly fits into this category. 

Whilst this may be the first full record under the band’s current guise, Wicklund released two previous albums under the moniker The Steppin Stones during the band’s formative years. Although these rare releases are no longer available, one such track from those albums made its way into the record in the shape of Mama Said. This song alone is enough to make you want to trawl the internet to try and pick up a copy of those early recordings.

Wicklund switches things up with On The Road, which has more of a funky Latin rhythm than other tracks on the record. Whilst the fuzzy riffs and thunderous rhythm of Crushin has a sound which is comparable in quality and delivery to the Black Keys.

Wicklund really let’s loose with funky up-tempo rocker Too Close To You before truly sinking her heart and soul into her passionate delivery during Meet You Again.

The beautiful acoustic ballad and recent social media-inspired single Shadowboxes and Porcelain Faces pushes the album towards the finish line. 

Hannah Wicklund is not just a gifted guitarist but her voice is as equally as beautiful as her playing making Wicklund the complete package in that respect, and its tracks such as Strawberry Moon that are a testament to this

Since the release of Bomb Through The Breeze, the question on everyone’s lips has been – is the rest of the album as explosive as the lead single? Our answer to this conundrum is without a shadow of a doubt yes! Wicklund is unquestionably a star in the making.

Hannah Wicklund will release her third album “Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin’ Stones” on Strawberry Moon Records in the UK on Friday 13th September. The album dovetails her nationwide UK Roadstars tour with Piston and Gorilla Riot in October. Tickets for the UK tour can be booked via www.planetrocktickets.co.uk and www.thegigcartel.com and from the 24 hour box office: 08444 780 898.

ROADSTARS – OCTOBER 2019 UK DATES

Chester, Live Rooms Thursday 3 October
Manchester, Rebellion Friday 4 October
Birmingham, Flapper Saturday 5 October
Norwich, Waterfront Studio Sunday 6 October
Newcastle, The Cluny Tuesday 8 October
Leeds, Lending Room Wednesday 9 October
Bristol, Exchange Thursday 10 October
London, O2 Islington Academy 2 Friday 11 October

Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin Stones
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About The Author

Adam Kennedy is an experienced music photographer based in northeast England. He has been shooting concerts for several years, predominantly with the band Vintage Trouble. In 2013, he was one of their tour photographers, covering the UK and Ireland tour including the headline shows and as opening act for The Who. As an accomplished concert photographer, Adam's work has been featured in print such as, Classic Rock Blues Magazine, Guitarist Magazine, Blues in Britain magazine, broadcast on the MDA Telethon on ABC Television in the US, used in billboard advertising for Renaissance Hotels in the US, and featured online via music blogs such as Uber Rock and Guitar Planet. He is also the official photographer at Newcastle Rock and Blues Club.