Downstairs
Oh father
Fullsteam Records
This record released an outpouring of nostalgia from my experiences in the early 00s. Almost an extension of the sound At the Drive-In (minus Cedric Bixler-Zavala's trademark vocal range) were carving out with their last record "Relationship of command", Downstairs continue the experimental and embracive attitude numerous post-hardcore bands adopted to further a sound that was beginning to stagnate. One can hear a touch of an Arcade Fire influence at the end of "Shudder shudder", as well as the affect of hours of listening to punk and angular indie rock, especially bands like ¡Forward, Russia!, throughout the record. It is nearly impossible to pin "Oh father" down easily or successfully, a credit to the musicians behind its craftsmanship, nor is it fair to rely on comparisons alone to define the album.
"This is so five years ago," my roommate just commented as he walked by my open door. Indeed, Downstairs are much more aligned with the end of the hardcore and post-hardcore movement than they are with the contemporary Scandinavian scene, but they bring an awareness of the years that have passed since then to the table as well. Trips down memory lane aren't usually accompanied with a soundtrack as good as this.
- Lars Garvey Laing-Peterson
