There’s nothing quite like the five guys that come together to form the New Orleans based super-group, Down. It’s actually quite the potent mixture that combines members of Pantera, Crowbar, Corrosion of Conformity, and Eyehategod. Since their formation in 1991 the band has released three full length records, all with their own unique flavor. Recently the band announced they’d be releasing four EPs. The first new EP the band is putting out is appropriately named, EP One, and will feature six songs.
Recently via Rolling Stone the band released a new song called, “Witchtripper.” I enjoyed the track a great deal because there’s one thing you can always be sure with when it comes to Down, and that’s that they’ll bring the riff. “Witchtripper” is no differences, as it starts off with a great Pepper Keenan penned riff. This then leads into a great vocal by Phil Anselmo. On this track Anselmo sounds equal parts himself as he does a low register, Sabotage era Ozzy. I have to give it up to Keenan and Kirk Windstein who stay incredibly tight. I also have to give it up for bassist (and Down’s newest member), Pat Bruders for his incredibly tight and punchy bass playing. Drummer Jimmy Bower also puts in a great performance pounding the skins in steady time, as he helps keep the riff kings in check. Truly a great performance all around, I hope the EP has more of this amazing music.
Down definitely comes from an odd pedigree, but they make great music, and that’s all that matters. I’m looking forward to this string of EPs, as should you!
-B. Harlow
Check Out “Witchtripper” Below:
