The Downtown Struts
Victoria!
Pirates Press Records [2012]
Fire Note Says: The melodic punk rock from The Downtown Struts never gets old.
Album Review:
I have always had a liking for some melodic punk rock so it really did not take very long for me to get into the debut record from Chicago's Downtown Struts with their dual vocals, soaring harmonies and 33 minute energized punk on Victoria!. The band truly gives it their all on these 10 upbeat sing along tracks.
The Downtown Struts immediatly grab your attention on Victoria! with the constant back n forth lead singers that give each track a bit more intensity and depth to these straightforward tracks. The style, delivery, and approach make for an entertaining listen that immediatly wants you back as there is not a track on here that won't get your foot tapping and reaching to turn up the volume. The only real critique I have of Victoria! is that several of the songs sound very similar and The Downtown Struts would have been better off to sprinkle in a bit more diviersity.
With that said, there are plenty of shining punk moments on Victoria! that make it notches above the rest like the pulsing bass line that runs through "Postcards". The building intensity on "Tim" makes it a highlight while the band has a very Gaslight Anthem/Springsteen moment on the heartfelt "Rocca Ave.". I still don't think the mainstream is ready to let this style of music back to the masses but The Downtown Struts have put together the right kind of album if it was possible. Victoria! not only holds up to repeat listens but is a refreshing listen to know that this style of punk is still alive and strong.
I have always had a liking for some melodic punk rock so it really did not take very long for me to get into the debut record from Chicago's Downtown Struts with their dual vocals, soaring harmonies and 33 minute energized punk on Victoria!. The band truly gives it their all on these 10 upbeat sing along tracks.
The Downtown Struts immediatly grab your attention on Victoria! with the constant back n forth lead singers that give each track a bit more intensity and depth to these straightforward tracks. The style, delivery, and approach make for an entertaining listen that immediatly wants you back as there is not a track on here that won't get your foot tapping and reaching to turn up the volume. The only real critique I have of Victoria! is that several of the songs sound very similar and The Downtown Struts would have been better off to sprinkle in a bit more diviersity.With that said, there are plenty of shining punk moments on Victoria! that make it notches above the rest like the pulsing bass line that runs through "Postcards". The building intensity on "Tim" makes it a highlight while the band has a very Gaslight Anthem/Springsteen moment on the heartfelt "Rocca Ave.". I still don't think the mainstream is ready to let this style of music back to the masses but The Downtown Struts have put together the right kind of album if it was possible. Victoria! not only holds up to repeat listens but is a refreshing listen to know that this style of punk is still alive and strong.
Key Tracks: "Postcards", "Tim", "Anchors"
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-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony
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