Down To Nothing is a straight edge hardcore band from Richmond, Virginia. It all started in 2000, releasing their first full-length record in 2003 titled Save It For The Birds, which was followed by Splitting Headache, The Most, Unbreakable and All My Sons. After a bit of a wait, it’s finally time for a new one. Their 6th full-length release is titled Life on the James on Revelation Records and was released on the 10th of September.
It’s business as usual, or is it? The record kicks-off with 'When I Rust I Rust' which is fast paced and typical Down To Nothing with regards to melodies, riffs and the overall feel. The riffs are groovy and you can really slam the shit out of any pit to this kind of hardcore. It has it all, breakdowns, groove and basically lyrics telling you to sort your fucking life out. I would say its business as usual, as Down To Nothing do what they do best, TCB… taking care of business! You can feel the passion, enthusiasm and just sheer grit the record has from the offset.
They seemed to have mastered the song writing process with regards to the length of songs, not too long that you get bored and short enough to make you want to listen to it over and over again. Some songs have a more melodic vibe to it with awesome back-up vocals, but it is well balanced and not overdone. This to me, is a massive bonus for any hardcore fan, as I can only imagine a bunch of angry, testosterone fuelled fans piling over one another at the opportunity of yelling lyrics over the microphone, at shows anyway. I do it in the car, but whatever.
There are some slower sections within songs where you can catch your breath, briefly and just appreciate perfection through the simplicity of hardcore, Down To Nothing style. It’s not the technical stuff that gets you going, it’s the slower, groovier, heavier riffs that really gets any hardcore kid itching for a show. In other words, this record gives the band a very unique sound and will serve as that characteristic that defines the band from just another hardcore band.
The skill level is in abundance with regards to the song structures and there are fucking rad solos in '3:24' and 'Cardinal'. The overall message of the record is pretty positive and uplifting, what one has come to expect from a straight edge band. It genuinely put a smile on my face and those fucking riffs are just absolutely incredible. All the songs are excellent in their own right, but 'No Leash' really stood out in my opinion followed by 'Brothers Turned Strangers'.
This record caters for it all, whether you’re into just enjoying it or you’re more proactive and enjoy stage moshing, 2-step and stage diving. If this doesn’t get you going in your living room or make you want to go to a show, nothing will.
This record is absolutely fantastic and I’m getting a copy shipped to South Africa for sure. Payday can’t come soon enough!
If you dig bands like Backtrack, Cruel Hand, Trapped Under Ice, Naysayer and Expire, I would definitely recommend Down To Nothing’s Life on the James!
