First impressions should be ignored. They’re deceptive and evil, and through routine consumption of “benefit of the doubt” you can achieve it… BUT the Downtown Struts made such a big first impression with their E.P ‘Sail The Seas Dry’ last year that it was really hard to ignore that immediate impression and listen with a level head. The Downtown Struts did what so many bands have failed to do and left us immediate fanboys, scouring the net for t-shirts and merch before the E.P had even got to track four (‘Not Sorry’).
So now it’s time for their latest release ‘VICTORIA!’ – the sound is one that will please young punks, old punks and all punks in-between. It’s accessible yet edgy, and the band’s catchy and unforgettable street-punk sound carries twinges of indie rock. Lazy comparisons will be made to Bouncing Souls, but the Downtown Struts really stand out on their own.
The songs are consistently well written, and there’s a vibe of 21st Century Americana running through the album – a vibe that can only come from constant touring and boiling these life experiences down into words – tales of New York, Portland, Chicago and being on the road all feature. ‘Back To N.Y.’ and ‘Tim’ are an amazing double whammy of aural, foot tapping satisfaction and leap out as ‘VICTORIA!”s stand out tracks. ‘Lost In America’ is a perfect song encapsulating the life of a touring band, with the constant repetition of “I’m okay, I’m okay” following lines of the hardships faced on the road. ‘Anchors’ is a driving and upbeat song and a great choice for the first single. The pace is continued through to the end of the album with ‘Rogues’, another great song that perfectly encapsulates being constantly on the road and having too much time with your thoughts. The final track ‘Southpaw’ ramps up the pace again to close with another energetic and upbeat song that is more than capable of leaving you begging for more.
In short, if you’re looking for the breakout punk band or album of the year, then you might have to look no further than The Downtown Struts. Truly excellent stuff.
NEIL THOMASON