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"6 Songs To _____ To" Death On Wednesday |
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Following up their debut full length, "Buying The Life" in late 2000, the six tunes on this "EP" are much more than the stopgap space filler till the next long player. Sure, they've said as much, but where most bands have to tend the creative fires a few hours longer to develop enough for label demands, this record happened almost by accident, the result of throwing down some demos that erupted into a full bore recording project with full Grammy winning production accompaniment to boot. Mid-week blues aside, DOW isn't your average Progressive Punk deal gone soft. Instead, it's a digestible chunk of radio-friendly Rock layered with Pop hooks and vocal harmonies, led by Lawler's Morrisey-esque croon aiming toward the AOR class with soulful uplifting tunes that run from airy to edgy and rarely sappy. "Simple Life" is a catchy opening number that sneaks up and smothers you with an addictive chorus that you can't help grooving to; "Born To Bleed" and "Falling" are relatable examples of the non-coincidental rub off from their many touring miles with the likes of Social Distortion and Sugarcult, both energetic and highly electric; "Sympathy" and the closing nameless acoustic number reflect a family man maturity, lending credibility to the idea that variety and durability play key roles in the longevity factor long after the hit single's smoked out. DOW's intentions are good, and their song crafting's better, often wearing the Lennon/McCartney, Jagger/Richards, Petty and Orbison influences on their sleeve and recalling them often. Released by Side Cho Records: http://www.sidecho.com/ Review by Vinnie Apicella [va85@columbia.edu]
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