When was the last time you read my review of the album that upheaves political status quo? For a while, it seemed like all the albums that dropped this year were obsessed with political mess we live in. Now we're back on that track. American punk band Downtown Boys have released their third album that represents continuation of their rebellious confrontation with modern socio-political issues. Two years after the album Full Communism came and out and gave them a breakthrough momentum, the band seems more mature and more determined to defend their attitudes. Lyrics charged with anger and aggression additionally flame already hot atmosphere.
Main vocal Victoria Ruiz sounds like she is holding megaphone in her hand instead of microphone. Together with her buddies, she is positioning herself on the side of working class and marginalized groups and holds herself as a defender of justice. She is categorically against any type of misogyny, homophobia, exploitation, inequality, police repression and violence.
On the album opener A Wall, and we all know which wall they are referring to, we get the first culprit for all of the above mentioned social issues. When we take into consideration that the all members are latino-blood, then the verse such as You can't ball the fuck on us/ I won't let that go become more heavy and truthful. At the end of the track, Downtown Boys summarize what is important. A wall is just a wall and nothing more at all. When it comes to the sound, cutting and angsty guitar riffs are destroying everything in front of them, although they are not that much off the hook as on the band's previous release. All the credits for these controlled riffs go to Guy Piccoito from Fugazi, the main producer of the record who is also responsible for making it more approachable to the audience that is not purely hardcore punk.
Alongside guitars, I would like to emphasize a killer rhythm section, and give kudos to bass player Mary Regalado who kicks ass by taking the leading role in tunes such as Violent Complicity. Also, saxophone is omnipresent in number titled Promissory Note, and this time it is played by pianist Joe DeGeorge. My favorite is Because You that resembles Pixies from their golden age. Looking forward to hearing what is your favorite in the comments. Bye Felicia!
