{"id":73793,"date":"2018-12-28T13:00:57","date_gmt":"2018-12-28T13:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/?p=73793"},"modified":"2023-02-24T14:51:59","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T14:51:59","slug":"review-downcast-downcast-ep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/review-downcast-downcast-ep\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Downcast – Downcast EP"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>With a band name like Downcast<\/strong> you hardly expect music bristling with cheer, even if the band describe themselves as pop-punk. \u00a0It\u2019s no surprise then that their self-titled EP has a gloomy overall tone. We\u2019re not getting any huge anthems from the trio, but the southern newcomers have created a surprisingly assured collection of songs.<\/p>\n

Formed, less than a year ago, Downcast<\/strong> have worked hard to create this release, demoing the five songs at home before hitting the studio with producer Ian Sadler (ROAM). It\u2019s money well-spent as the recordings sound powerful, even on \u2018Window Seat<\/em>\u2019 when almost everything falls away on leaving just drums and vocals to drive the song. Wanting to make something honest that resonates with his audience, lead vocalist Liam Edwards uses diary-entry style lyrics and paints pictures with his gruff melodies. Using his native accent gives the band a more distinctive sound, which seems like a rarity for this kind of band, but gels with his honest lyrical content. Occasionally, the verbose delivery can become a little overpowering and almost a dirge-like \u2013 notably toward the end of \u2018I\u2019m Sorry<\/em>\u2019.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/youtu.be\/RqMepW6DNqA<\/p>\n

While Edwards provides the punk ethos, the music errs on the pop side of their pop-punk label. Brighter riffs and soaring chords contrast with the darker lyrics, heard most prominently on \u20182013<\/em>\u2019. While you can\u2019t imagine a crowd singing back its chorus, \u2018Anthurium<\/em>\u2019 opens the EP with the most accessible sound and was a wise choice for the lead single.<\/p>\n

Second track, the acoustic \u2018Sombre<\/em>\u2019 seems oddly placed in the order, yet, the jaunty guitars licks work surprisingly well, fitting Edward\u2019s delivery so snugly it\u2019s arguably the strongest song here. The clever use of counterpoint vocals also gives its chorus weight, meaning it doesn\u2019t get swamped by the full-band numbers surrounding it. Although not immediately accessible, during its five-song run \u2018Downcast<\/em>\u2019 shows variety in the band\u2019s songwriting skills, working as a statement of intent and as a promising debut from such a new band.<\/p>\n

3\/5<\/p>\n

\u2018Downcast<\/em>\u2019 EP\u00a0 by Downcast<\/strong>\u00a0is released on\u00a011th January.<\/p>\n

Downcast<\/strong> links:\u00a0Twitter<\/a> |\u00a0Facebook<\/a> |\u00a0Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

Words by Ian Kenworthy (@WhisperingSand<\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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