Down Goes Frazier is a brand new Rock and Roll band out of Seattle, Washington. A bit of a throwback to the Rock & Roll bands of the 80s, 90s and 2000s, DGF aims to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice killer melodies, interesting lyrics or catchy hooks in order to make driving, foot stomping rock & roll music. With the release of their debut album, “Perspective”, DGF showcases a variety of different styles ranging from pop to hard rock; each song takes you on a journey, often with a powerful and revelatory conclusion.
Down Goes Frazier cite their influences as from the 80’s onward, but as soon as the track “Behind The Smile” kicks in, I’m thrown right back into the seventies and in the middle of vintage Doobie Brothers and a “China Groove” vocal and rhythmic groove. Showing that apart from the bad-assed grunge guitars and rock rhythms, this four-piece band from Seattle can lay down a smoking groove with the best of them.
Personally, I still think everyone could easily be able to appreciate the crunchy guitar driven rhythms, as well as the passion that can be detected in singer Andy Seltzer’s voice as he belts his way through the album. But there is so much more to Down Goes Frazier than meets the ear. Brimming with energy, inspiration, and pathos, Perspective is a melodic and atmospheric masterpiece. Not only does the album have a unifying feel to it, but the songs stand out on their own, as utterly listenable and enjoyable.
The end result is very much a unique sound. Down Goes Frazier mix the distinctive guitar riffs of grunge, classic rock, and arena rock with a thick layer of underlying harmonious arrangements, while Seltzer’s voice delivers soaring, melodic anthems.
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While all the songs on Perspective are very good, if I would have to single out some songs, I would pick the the funky and cathartic “Can’t Stand The Pain”, the speeding and energetic “Behind The Smile”, the burning, “Give Me Something” and the bittersweet acoustic ballad “Hypocritical”.
All throughout, the synchronicity between the vocals and the musical arrangements is truly amazing. It’s rewarding to have an album where every piece that is played – be it Terry Marsh’s drums, Caleb Mott’s bass, Bill Wyman’s lead guitar or Andy Seltzer’s vocals, everything stands out as being brilliant while no one really shows up the other. A mean feat indeed for a rock n’ roll band!
The mix and production on the album is also well balanced, fresh and edgy, yet it maintains a nice rock rawness to it. Considering that the rock music scene is pretty much in a terrible state right now, Down Goes Frazier will give you a reason to listen to some new music again. Perspective is an excellent, well put together rock album by a mature and talented band. This is how a tight, finely produced, and well molded rock album should sound like.
The songwriting team of Bill Wyman and Andy Seltzer also prove to be well-versed in the art of hooks, melodic appeal and honest down to earth lyrics. If you’re into anything by The Black Crowes, Stone Temple Pilots and Kings Of Leon right down to Pearl Jam, don’t miss discovering Down Goes Frazier.
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