Down and Above

Minneapolis-based Down and Above have emerged with a refreshing sound that blends heavy grooves, 3-part harmonies, and hardcore-inspired breakdowns into a powerful, melodic mix. Originally from the small town of Kalispell , MT, the three longtime friends entered into the thriving Minneapolis music scene at the end of 2000. Starting off playing tiny record stores and college cafeterias, the band quickly turned the heads of many music fans in the upper midwest.

With a string of successful local releases to their credit, Down and Above’s newest record, ‘Anodyne’, shows tremendous growth for a band that has always strived to marry a variety of seemingly unlikely sources. Drawing on influences ranging from King's X, Rush, and Candiria, to Bjork, Tori Amos, and Richard Buckner, Anodyne promises a diverse blend of assaulting rock and singer/songwriter savvy. Bassist Ian Allison reflects, "On this record, Dave and I would always ask each other, OK, now how would Willie Nelson or Tori sing over this heavy riff? We weren't content with putting out just a 'rock' record."

Met with overwhelming anticipation, Anodyne surpassed weighty expectations and the band couldn't be happier with the record. Fans and music critics agree that Anodyne is the band’s strongest effort thus far. "Anodyne is the best work we've ever done," deadpans guitarist David Young. "It was, at the same time, the most difficult and most amazing process that we've gone through as a band."

Hold Your Breath for a Rising Tide is the 4th official release from Down and Above. The album kicks off with a stereo bass lick that charges into the crescendo of the anthemic Proud (A Promise Kept). Reverb drenched guitars on tracks like So Alive, Hopesablaze, and Shark Attack are reminiscent of mid 80s Big Country or synth-pad era Rush, yet Down and Above’s urgent shirtsleeve lyrics take you to a more intimate place. The narrative hook and dark watery atmosphere of the remade Johnny Cash/Willy Nelson tune, The Highwayman, makes it a standout track – and together with tracks 4 Leaf Clover, Hope, Sunshine After Rain, and Writing in Ink, we hear a maturity and musical growth that is a nod to Down and Above’s country music Montana roots.

Fans of ass-searing rock however will rejoice with tracks like Molasses, Breakdown on Interstate 80, and Love You More. Ouch, is my ass on fire? Yes, yes it is.