Down And Above - Hold Your Breath for a Rising Tide

Down and Above - Hold Your Breath for a Rising Tide


I had to go to myspace, and listen to the songs for this review. I didn't get a CD, but it's just as well. I think I got everything that I need to do this properly. So, here it goes.

The first thing I noticed is the production of the CD. It's nothing short of major label ready. Of course, I'm just listening to mp3's, but that doesn't matter. I can hear what is, and isn't at this level. It's really, really clean. I can't hear anything that seems out of line. You can hear everything, and it sounds like a professional recording all the way.

The vocals are basically perfect. Dave is a great singer, and totally professional. Never once leaving the hint of being out of key. Apparently, Dave was a sailor.......I don't know, he said it.(The Highwayman 1:29) The harmonies are dead on, and fill everything out nicely. The guitar work is completely workable. I mean, nothing stands out as some kick ass riff, but it generally supports the vocal melody as well as anything could. The bass is well done, and has some nice lines independent of the guitars. It's also good and punchy, and placed in the mix properly. The drums I'll just have to add the same type of praise. Good solid performance, and doesn't overplay.

Song structure is built completely for the masses. I could generally pick out what was coming next on the first listen. People seem to like that. Predictability often leads to sellability. They did rip out the DNA signature "progressive" riff section thirty seconds into "Molasses". I think this might just be the "ass-searing" rock they talk about in their bio. If I was an executive at a record label, I'd sign them in a second. It's a very pretty sound and with major backing, this could be the favorite of every 14 year-old wanna-be suburban rebel girl in the U.S. It's dainty with sprinkles of heavy rock which makes it safe, but could make the rubber spike wearing drones run to the mall to pick up the album because it's "rock". That is, if the kids buy music these days. Maybe I should say they "share" with that one kid that still buys shit.

Overall, I'd be very excited if I was a record executive. Everything is in place to put Down and Above on every "Z" station in the country. It could be played, and sold at every Hot Topic in every mall across the expanse of the U.S. The fact Dave says "I was a sailor" kills me. It's just so fucking funny. Anyway, I'm going to make this short because I listen to whatever I'm reviewing the whole time I review it, and I'm losing testosterone by the second here. So, I'd say good job on being mainstream. It's absolutely ready. For my personal taste, I'm just about ready to tear my ears off the side of my head. Maybe just go beat the shit out of my wall, or break something. I can't get into this kind of thing. I'm a dude past 30 now, and I look for some more interesting in my music. The performance, and song writing are top-notch for radio. I hope I never have to listen to it again. I heard nothing that would push along the art in rock. With that, I must go and put some A Second From The Surface in to counteract the soft, delicate "rock" I just had to endure.

Goodnight,
Punko