The Step Kings’ new album, 3 the Hard Way is great cd you appreciate the more you listen to it. Originally from New York, the Step Kings appeared on the music scene with their first album, 7 Easy Steps, in 1997–and have definitely evolved since. They feature a somewhat primal feel in their music, with definite jazz and reggae influences in their alternative metal tunes. Showing off a diversity of tracks from the mellow “12/23/01” to the driving “Younglife Crisis,” there’s something on this disk for everyone. Their metal sound also features great vocals from both singer/guitarist Fern and bassist/co-vocalist Bob McLynn with a steady flow of great drumming from Mike Watt.