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DOWN
Down IV Part I: The Purple EP

Roadrunner (2012)
Rating: 6/10

The mighty Down return with IV Part I: The Purple EP, the first in a four EP series with each one highlighting a specific side of the band’s sound. This EP is billed as showcasing the heavy side of the New Orleans band and, as such, is drawing rightful comparisons to the their classic debut NOLA (1995). It is a powerful ride through the raw, stoner leaning side of the band’s sound, sans the screams that Phil Anselmo hung onto early on.

‘Levitation’ kicks off the EP with a thin guitar sound and cymbal heavy drum uprising. It sounds like it was recorded in a garage and, while it’s my least favourite track on the album, many old-school fans will be very excited to hear it.

The more aggressive ‘Witchtripper’ is up next and this song really gets me going. It’s got a Black Sabbath swagger to it that makes Down sound more dangerous than they have in years. Anselmo really comes alive vocally here as well, varying his ‘sound’ just enough to make you take notice of his abilities all over again. ‘The Curse Is A Lie’ is another example of how well they do that old Sabbath style, especially musically.

‘Open Coffins’ and ‘Misfortune Teller’ are a bit more fist-in-mouth than the others, and the latter is probably the most pissy song on the EP. Its spiralling guitars and pounding rhythms, especially in the breakdown, are downright eerie. ‘This Work is Timeless’ rounds everything out by throwing a strong jam out there that has just enough melody that you can almost catch hold of it. Almost.

Overall, this EP is solid, but if you own other Down albums I wouldn’t be in a rush to buy it. For me, all Down sounds about the same and you either like it or you don’t. The Purple EP is another solid release from the band with some great moments. If you reject post-NOLA Down and have been disgruntled ever since, then this is the EP you want to pick up as I’m assuming the others won’t be to your liking.

Mark Fisher

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