By: Lance Turner
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Released on August 1, 2015 via Local Colour Records
I am instantly flooded by the sounds of my puberty. Reminiscent of early nineties Smashing Pumpkins, Weezer, Nirvana, and Soundgarden. I cling to a false hope that this sound that transports me back to my youth will once again be accepted as relevant in today’s look at me, uber-produced pop culture. With radio tracks that have 17 different writers on a song where the artist had no part in a composition that they will release under whatever pseudonym their label decides is the most marketable. Can you hear the disdain I have for the establishment?…..Ok, my rant has concluded. Though, let me be clear. I do not cite the aforementioned bands to portray Downers as copycats. Merely as a reference for audible affirmation. In reading other reviews, I feel validated in my initial observation as to the overall sound this EP adheres to.
Downers are an unspoiled example of a band doing things their way. With Noose being their second release this year, I hear a collection of dudes that are refusing to cleave to a world of acceptance and participation medals created by their peers. Noose lends the listener the impression of grunge without feeling as you are being overpowered by the crunchiness radiating from the amps. I can still hear a melody amidst the reverb and distortion. It is indeed gritty, but polished in the way they combine certain elements. Uniquely able to go from a coarse 100 grit sandpaper delivery, to a groovy clean tone, and back again.
Pook’s vocals are shoegazey by nature, and slightly dreamy: in a Jack Nicholson The Shining kind of way that is. Quite gloomy, but projecting enough emotion within his midrange register to keep our involvement focused on the sentiment and not the depths. ‘Graze’, ‘Erased’ (easily my favorite), and ‘Grown Out’ are all tracks that in design fit the same mold. But the lyrics separate themselves and allow you to discern your own significance.
I would love to hear these tracks delivered live and subjected to surroundings, indirect stimuli, and emotional state. But alas, I might never have the chance as we are oceans apart. Will Downers start a true grassroots grunge revival? I highly doubt it. But I revel in their skill of capturing angst and sensitivity.
As a whole, my preference leans more towards their self-titled release. However, Noose should in no way be disregarded. But to serve as a point of growth in whatever way they may see fit for their own musical identity. I sincerely hope that their creative output is never stifled, but encouraged and fueled by the circumstances of life. Love, money, family, and occupational requirements can all hinder production. To date, these have all aided in forming the character contained inside Noose. I am impatiently awaiting more.
