Bottom of the learning curve,
3dBs DownOne of the nicest aspects of this job is having the opportunity to discover a multitude of new bands. Even better is when you receive an album by an unknown band that turns out to be fantastic. It doesn’t happen often but this just happens to be one of those rare occasions. Before this review I hadn’t heard of 3dBs Down, ever, but I’m now hopeful that I’ll be hearing a lot more of them.
‘Bottom of the learning curve’ is 3dBs Down’s first full length release, having already self-released an EP entitled ‘Come get some’. It features eleven tracks that run the full spectrum of pop, rock, ska and punk. The album is currently having finishing touches put to its artwork and I’m reliably informed you should be able to grab a copy in the next couple of months.
So 3dBs Down are band that like to play around with musical styles. This is often something that can hinder a bands accessibility but in this case it just gives 3dBs added layers to what is undeniably their own sound. What helps to give the band this identity is by having three vocalists, each bringing something unique to any given track. This mass of vocalists also helps with another defining quality of the band – the fantastic pop harmonies, particularly on choruses. Now, I’m a sucker for vocal harmonies and 3dBs do this as well as any band I’ve heard of late.
What ultimately determines the success or failure of any album is the songs, and 3Dbs have those in abundance. Yes, the songs don’t have the depth of some bands you could mention, but what they do have is an infectious, broad appeal. Kicking off with the riff heavy ‘Princess Eyes’ the band immediately strike you with their style and those superb vocal harmonies I mentioned. This really is a group that will put a smile on your face. ‘Magnificent Mediocre’ uses more of a ska-tinged guitar riff, mixed with some healthy rock leanings, and has to be one of the standout tracks on the album. The rock influences are brought further into focus with the excellent ‘Rock the Bar’ and the catchy-as-hell ‘Zoinks’. The band know how to showcase a more sensitive side too, and this is demonstrated on ‘You’, a song that reminds me of the later musical style of Symposium.
With ‘Bottom of the learning curve’, 3dBs Down have crafted one of the best UK releases of this year. The mix of styles, and the depth of the three vocalists add up to a very enjoyable listen. It may not break any new ground but the whole album is executed so well it’s difficult not to be enticed by its musical charms. I just hope someone gives this band a deal so as many people as possible can enjoy this album.
www.3dbsdown.com
Mark
