At 14 years old, three childhood friends growing up together in Montana wanted to conquer the universe with their ass-searing rock. 12 years later, their goals are more – well, adult. Now the guys in Minneapolis-based Down and Above just want to put out honest music that tells their story . . . set to universe-conquering, ass-searing rock.
Hold Your Breath for a Rising Tide is the 4th official release from Down and Above. The album kicks off with a stereo bass lick that charges into the crescendo of the anthemic Proud (A Promise Kept). Reverb drenched guitars on tracks like So Alive, Hopesablaze, and Shark Attack are reminiscent of mid 80s Big Country or synth-pad era Rush, yet Down and Above’s urgent shirtsleeve lyrics take you to a more intimate place. The narrative hook and dark watery atmosphere of the remade Johnny Cash/Willy Nelson tune, The Highwayman, makes it a standout track – and together with tracks 4 Leaf Clover, Hope, Sunshine After Rain, and Writing in Ink, we hear a maturity and musical growth that is a nod to Down and Above’s country music Montana roots.
Fans of ass-searing rock however will rejoice with tracks like Molasses, Breakdown on Interstate 80, and Love You More. Ouch, is my ass on fire? Yes, yes it is.