Roaring out of the Appalachian Hills down the National Highway!
Hailing from the Northeast of the U.S, The Downstrokes are a band with a lot of experience in them and that journey is evident in their latest album, ‘The Furious Hours’. The twin guitars of lead vocalist Gerry LaFemina and Robin Summerfield are complemented by the rhythm section of bassist Gred Wood and drummer Clint Higgins.
Starting off with the opening track, ‘Let’s Make Some Noise’, the tone is set. A light melodic guitar lick sits well with the fast, thundering pulse of a classic old school punk tune. The vocals are raw, the accent thick – this is not refined singing, this is feeling – there’s no pretence to be anything other than themselves. Too often bands try to be/sound like someone else, that is definitely not the case with The Downstrokes.
Having said that, there is a certain feeling that a lot of this album could have come from the pen of Buzzcocks’ Steve Diggle; the light lead guitar and the angry backing do seem very reminiscent of the OG punk tunesmith. I hasten to add that this is in no way a derogatory statement, merely an observation that good songwriting techniques should be celebrated.
The album fairly rushes along, 11 songs in just over 30 minutes, meaning repeated listening is probably not a bad idea. ‘Coney Island High’, a wonderful melodic tribute to the New Jersey icon has a lively touch reminiscent of The Only Ones, while ‘Brighter Times’ brings elements of Steve Earle, Gin Blossoms and The Pogues, having a singalong after a very big night. It’s a lively little banger.
When I got to ‘Frequent Flyer’, I confess to being slightly frustrated, it’s fine song but the opening riff reminds me of a song that I just can’t recall. Not a reflection on the song which is a fine, slowed down number and a definite highlight. ‘Insomniac’ is a harder tune. Nick Cave/ P.J.Harvey vibes, with a touch of 80’s New York in the vocals, there’s a fine rolling drum and bass part before 60’s Hammond organ pops up. An enjoyable diversion!
‘No More Nights’ is another lively one with an old school feel and a shout along chorus, and again that, now distinctive, light lead riff, which I have to say is a pleasing trademark.
‘Bar Girl Is A Punk’ is I think, lyrically, a trip down memory lane, we all know that one place, and that one bar worker, the one with attitude and swagger, without arrogance but that knows who and what they are. The song seems a fitting tribute to those heroes of the Punk scene. Lively backing vocals add to the feeling of communal celebration.
‘Back To the Wind’ really could have fallen off a copy of ‘Singles Going Steady’ by Buzzcocks, the riff, the stabbing guitars and the backing vocals all make this a very good song. The contrast with the lively reel of the outro is a fine addition, showing the abilities of the band as musicians.
The album closes with ‘(Right Turn) Wrong Way Again’. There’s a harder sound, a mixture of tempos and lively guitar breaks – it’s a fitting closer to a really solid album. (You can watch the video directly on YouTube – link below)
The Downstrokes are four superb musicians who have taken all of their experience and the lessons that only years of hard slog can teach, and turned it into a highly engaging collection of songs, well worth your time. (If you get a chance to hear their cover of ‘Police On My Back’ do so, it’s much better than The Clash’s version..!)
Catch The Downstrokes on tour in the UK and Ireland this May, with original drummer Bill Poorbaugh and bassist Jon Bolling joining Gerry and Robin – more info HERE
Download / buy your CD / vinyl copy of ‘The Furious Hours’ from HERE
Main Photo Credit: JOHN BURROUGHS
Additional Photos: ETHAN BLACK
- Let’s Make Some Noise
- (Trying to Break) Bad Habits
- Everybody Hates a Parade
- Coney Island High
- Brighter Times
- Frequent Flyer
- Insomniac
- No More Nights
- Bar Girl is a Punk
- Back to the Wind
- (Right Turn) Wrong Way Again
Follow The Downstrokes on Their Socials:
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