The country-rock or "alternative country" genre is fast becoming a crowded one, and because of this, it is becoming harder and harder for a band rooted in these styles to create something that is still new, unique, and exiting. However, combining hard rock, country and blues, Denver Colorado's Double Down are one such band that seem to be determined to stand out from the pack with their latest EP Still Motion.

It would be hard to argue that the six songs offered are packed full of energy, passion and sincerity, with every track being played as if it may be their last. You can almost smell the dirt, sweat, and whiskey with each passing song, which all seem to be begging to be played live rather than within the confines of the recording.

The musicianship is very good, with the only criticism being the sometimes flamboyant guitar solos that somehow seem to contradict the humble country roots and elegant subtlety of some songs. The songs are catchy while still retaining their rawness, and the lyrics of Jeff Browning add to the rollicking atmosphere of the music.

The best songs are the ones that stick closest to their country roots while still including a healthy dose of blues infused rock such as "Other Side" and "Whiskey Driver" rather than the more rock based tracks like "Sometimes" which tend to trade their timeless roots rock sound for more of a grunge meets country aesthetic that isn't quite as compelling.

Overall, Double Down are a band that manages to stand out within a crowded country-rock landscape, which is becoming very a hard thing to do. Although it still seems as if they are still discovering their sound, they show promise through their energy, passion, honesty, as well as their ability to meld the rawness of rock n roll with the earnestness of country and blues.


- Clino
Worn Records
http://www.wornrecords.ca

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"Double Down burns up the stage!"

Shaul Turner
FOX 31
Anchor,Good Day Colorado

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Double Down has a great sound. I was really surprised to hear a band like this in Denver's local scene. They combine some very tight musicians with a dynamite vocalist and grab your ear from across the room. The riffs are catchy the music is fun and the voice makes it all sing.

Catchy riffs! A perfect fit to the vocals......A haunting voice, grabbed my attention the moment I heard it..... A great sound.

Country rock, with a modern twist. The vocals pull you in, the songs are well made. Double Down is the whole package, and certainly a band to see soon. Really a treat to listen to.

Cole
A&R Dept.
CAM Records

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Like the Goo Goo Dolls? Lynyrd Skynyrd, April Wine, and .38 Special? You are going to love this. Jeff Browning and crew bang out six southern rock pop tunes with a catchy, raw, style. This is a definite driving CD that harkens back to days when bands traveled in plush-covered vans and fighting was still done with the fists. The musicianship is top notch as Paul Jarrett and Justin Francoeur keep the tempo lashing and the guitar work by Darren Banach is stellar. Browning's crooning vocal work is reminiscent of 80s singer Tim Booth (of James fame), but with a couple shots of Jack Daniels on top of the pipes.

It's nice to see a band do an EP first for the obvious reasons of introducing themselves to fans and putting their best songs forward. The well-written pop structure of "Other Side" and country punk rhythm of "Whiskey Driver" make these two key tracks that help define Double Down's first release. Slick production by Eric Shiveley (Desert Air Studios) and a silky, easy-to-navigate website doesn't hurt the band's coming their party either. If driving down the back roads of the country sneaking bottles of moonshine over to the party is something you yearn to do, pop this disc in, and take the ride with Double Down.

by The Swami
Colorado Music Buzz Magazine

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