ALBUM REVIEW: Down I Go – Gods
Published on October 22, 2011 by Dave Sutton · No Comments
Down I Go have only been around for a handful of years, with just a few releases to their name, so it’s surprising that this EP will be their last. It’s a conceptual piece, with each track taking the name of a character from Greek mythology; the goddess Demeter and god Poseidon presumably granting the EP its name.
What could at first sound like pure chaos, is actually surprisingly catchy and full of hooks – even if those hooks are likely to pull you head first into a realm of disarray. The exact nature of the songs is hard to pinpoint, as, maybe like the Greek gods of old, they happily jump from disjointed ferocity to moments of peace and calm.
The first track, Demeter, gives a good indication of what to expect (or at least tells you not to have expectations), alternating between fast bursts of chaos to some surprisingly tranquil sections, including one part which has an almost tribal-sounding chant. The chorus is sure to have you nodding (or thrashing) your head. The track finally floats out ethereally before the second track, Poseidon, comes crashing down like a wave, grabbing your attention with its intense and heavy start. As with Demeter, the band do find time for a melodic passage amongst this tumultuous tirade before bringing things to an end with a short brass section which sits nicely behind a catchy chant for the titular god to save them.
The third god on show, Atlas, makes use of some unusually high vocal work, which could easily sound ridiculous elsewhere, but here, where the ridiculous is normal, it just feels right. This track is maybe a little short though, ultimately petering out without reaching the kind of climax it seems to promise.
Icarus brings the EP to a close and is possibly my favourite track. The music sounds almost as though it is going to fall apart at times, which adds to the thrill, but it manages to hold together and the aggressive beginnings give way to a soaring second half to the song, as, like Icarus himself, the EP reaches its end.
Anyone who likes their music unhinged, both brutal and beautiful, is likely to find something to enjoy here. The EP itself can be used as a metaphor for the band – short-lived, but a refreshing kick in the face to today’s music world… fun whilst it lasted.
You can view the video for Poseidon here – it’s as weird as the music and strangely compelling.
For more information on Down I Go visit their Facebook page.
Gods is out on November 7th. You can grab your copy here.
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