All hail the Rock ‘n’ Roll capital of the world…… Cleveland, Ohio.
That is where Downforce calls home, and that’s quite fitting. Gritty, honest, hard working and hard rocking music. Nothing comes easy in Cleveland, least of all musical success, but Downforce might be on their way.
The album “Tight” starts off with some foot tapping beats and a nice down home rhythm that will be sure to get any bar crowd singing and dancing with the best of them. The opening track, “Too Little, Too Late,” screams of good times with good friends, hanging out at the local pub, swigging down beer, and jamming to some classic rock with a Cleveland twist.
“Insecurity” starts off a bit harder and rocks while it rolls. It has a bit of a punk vibe to it, coupled with the standard classic rock riffs. This is another great bar song and I am confident that Downforce is a fantastic live band. I especially like the transitions in this track and the screaming guitar. “Insecurity” is an all around king hell bastard of a song.
The third track, “”Judgment Intoxication,” is along the same vein as the previous two tracks. Good old down home rock ‘n’ roll. I find myself digging on the lyrics with this one. This song is about raw attraction, sex, and being drawn to things that aren’t necessarily good for us. But those things, while they may be self-destructive, are usually the most fun, aren’t they. Downforce knows this, and they sing it well.
“You’re Not the You I Knew” starts off a little slower and this track changes it up a bit. I’m beginning to suspect that there is more to this band than good times and good tunes. This piece gives me a little more insight into the workings of Downforce and lets me know that they’ve got heart as well as balls. The rhythm is addictive and the lyrics are more thought provoking than any I’ve heard from this band yet. The guitar work is damned good and this is by far the most melodic song on the album as of yet. Nice work.
From the melodic rhythms of the previous track, “Surrender the Night” starts effortlessly and the flow is exceedingly well done. A very smooth transition. This is another slower tempo piece with some pretty wicked effects going on here. The guitar is what carries this song. What a perfectly beautiful solo. This track clearly shows off the skills of this band, most especially the guitar player, but I would be a terrible reviewer if I did not praise the vocals as well. “Surrender the Night” gives me a much better idea of the vocal ability of the singer – and what a set of pipes he’s got. Each member of the band gets his chance to shine during this song and that’s when you know it’s a good one.
“Song of Hope” begins with some great acoustic guitar work and *gasp* windchimes. I got a little bit of a chill just now. Bands don’t use windchimes enough and it does my heart good to hear them every now and then. There is also some piano in this track and I am so loving this song. Downforce has proven to me that they are so much more than a great bar band. They have depth and emotion and their lyrics are meaningful. Not to mention they are skilled musicians with the power to make people dance one minute and cry the next. But they do it so craftily that it all flows together so smoothly that it just makes perfect sense. “Song of Hope” is inspirational and amazingly well produced. Excellent piece of music.
I was slightly worried about the transition from “Song of Hope” to the next track, “Change My Mind,” and it is a bit harsh. Sort of like waking from a deep sleep with a bone rattling fall from bed. The previous three tracks were a bit slower and I was lulled into my Happy Place, but after the initial shock of going from soft and melodic back to rockin’ and rollin’ I am once more back in the Downforce element. “Change My Mind” gives the drummer a chance to show us what he’s got and the bassist is right along with him. And while the musicianship is again way beyond average, this is not the best track on the album. Perhaps I feel this way because I was lulled into a calmer place by the preceding tracks that were much slower. I might suggest looking at the placement of the tracks on the album. Perhaps a faster song needs to fall in place between the previous three slower tracks so the listener doesn’t feel so brutally shocked back into the rhythm of the faster music.
“Speed of Rock” is an upbeat little number that solidifies the transfer from the softer side of Downforce back into the foot tapping, hard working music we have come to know and love. This track is about running through life full bore ahead, taking what comes and living at the “Speed of Rock.” It makes me want to get out there and DO something. A very motivational piece of music that would also be wonderful to see performed live. I really like this one because of the line “It was worth it, right or wrong.” I love that. We can never go back and change what has already happened, so it better be worth it, right? I dig this one a lot.
“Hating You” begins with the signature Downforce riffs, and then I am surprised to hear a guest vocalist. Kathy Lindberg adds a little something to what Downforce has come to mean to me, and it’s a nice touch. “Hating You” is another great down home boogie tune and would be quite popular at the local pub. Once again, the guitarist shows us what he’s made of and the rest of the guys simply flow with it and rock like only Downforce can.
“The End” tones it down a notch and the acoustic makes another appearance. I really enjoy the rhythm of this song and the lyrics are exceptionally well written. This song will make you think, no doubt. Just when I am about to get overly emotional on this one…… WOW…… Downforce pulls a trick on us, huh? They go from soft to totally heavy and then back to soft. I got chills again. That was a NICE touch. Genius. I am almost done with this album, and I can tell you without doubt which song is my own personal favorite. It’s “The End” hands down. What a brilliant piece of work. Downforce has won me over completely with this amazing display of talent and emotion.
The album closes with “Day Job” and Downforce wraps it up with strength and conviction. They leave us flying high and wanting more. And since we can all relate to having day jobs and really not liking it, this tune is universal. It screams of the frustration of wanting to do something else and trying so hard to get there. And while the guys of Downforce probably DO have day jobs to support their musical careers, I have faith that they will one day be able to quit those meaningless jobs to make music full time. That’s the American Dream, right? Downforce CAN get there.
I am thoroughly impressed by this album and I am anxious to see Downforce perform live. Cleveland born and bred, I will be sure to check them out any time I can. The studio album is well produced, the sound is good, and the music is fantastic, but I think Downforce live and in color would be a force to be reckoned with. This album has all the elements of what Cleveland rock is about – good times, good friends, good music, and above all, working hard to make dreams become a reality. Cheers.
Reviewed By Rhonda Readence
