Downtown Struts, The
Hope You're Dope (splatter)
The beast has transformed. Victoria! took DOWNTOWN STRUTS all over the world, and this inward reflection clearly shows that Dan Cooper and the gang have come back with a new outlook on things-one that is likely to appeal to a whole new crowd, on top of the leagues of fans across the world who have already fallen in love with the struts. Tinges of this new direction were scattered through their recent split with NOTHINGTON (Asian Man Records, 2013), but this recording session definitely explores new musical avenues and influences, yielding something leagues apart from their last full-length Victoria (2012). Much like you can follow the (musical) progression of hugely successful bands like WEEZER, BUILT TO SPILL, or GREEN DAY, this album allows you to gain a deeper understanding of a band that may not have left such a multi-dimensional impression with their first few releases. This band certainly has grown and evolved, and the men have as well. The spectacular songwriting that DOWNTOWN STRUTS has consistently pumped out will never stop, and its refreshing to see that unlike so many bands, theyre building upon it, not rehashing it; and not just giving fans a familiar, calculated new release to get bored with quickly. Its exciting to know these guys are still in their early 20s, and have so much more to offer as well. Its a fair assessment that lots of DOWNTOWN STRUTS fans will absolutely love this right out of the package; and it will have to grow on others. Staying true to the passion that DOWNTOWN STRUTS have for life, friendship, and making top-quality tunes, this EP really shows how diverse one band can be, and how their message and angst can manifest itself many ways!