Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 03/05/2025
The Oklahoma-based alternative rock band Downward unveiled a surprise LP, Downward (LP2). It’s available to stream on all platforms and can be purchased through New Morality Zine.
In their sophomore self-titled album, Downward (LP2), the band has fully stepped beyond the confines of any singular scene, delivering a rock record that feels undeniably modern. Having refined their signature balance of airy melancholy and crushing weight, LP2 sees Downward embracing a newfound sense of expansiveness. While the influence of post-hardcore and alternative remains, this album is a bold statement of evolution—one that showcases a band no longer bound by expectations. It carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention.
Standouts on the album include the self-reflecting track "Perfect Food," which blends abstract imagery with emotional vulnerability. The song speaks to a complex relationship where connection and distance intertwine, exploring the push and pull of desire and resistance.
“‘Perfect Food’ is one of the last couple of songs we wrote for the album, and in the grand scheme of the record, it might be the most ‘business as usual’ song for us. In the back of my head I knew we needed a song like this in the tracklist somewhere,” shares guitarist and vocalist of Downward, Drew Richardson. “We played through it a couple of times, and I just got hit with this “Oh yeah, I’m definitely in the right band” feeling. It really changed my mood and gave me a bit of confidence when we went in to record.”
Kendal Osborne and the band recorded the new album, and they tapped into collaborators including Dave Collis and Sean Hallock from Slow Mass (IL). LP2 was mixed and mastered by Corey Coffman from Gleemer (CO). It carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention, boasting a total of ten tracks.
Formed in 2015 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Downward began as a collaborative project among friends aiming to blend their diverse musical tastes. The band is made up of Drew Richardson on Guitar/Vocals, Tollie Pugh on Drums, Hunter Senft on Guitar and Severin Olsen on Bass.
In 2018, Downward released their self-titled debut LP, introducing listeners to their fusion of alternative rock and post-hardcore. This initial offering laid the foundation for their evolving sound—balancing ethereal melodies with crushing heaviness. They followed up in May 2020 with 2 Songs, a two-track 7" that further explored the interplay between light and heavy sonic textures. This release reinforced their commitment to pushing genre boundaries and deepening their dynamic contrasts, with mixing by Phillip Odom and mastering by Will Yip.
Their 2022 EP, The Brass Tax, marked a significant step forward. Featuring five tracks of matured songwriting and bold sonic experimentation, the EP saw the band incorporating near pop-like sensibilities while maintaining their signature weight and atmosphere. Crafted through intimate sessions, the trio spent hours refining their sound, with Phillip Odom again handling mixing and mastering.
In 2023, Downward teamed up with Texas-based band Trauma Ray for a split release, further expanding their sound while moving beyond their shoegaze and slowcore influences. This collaboration showcased their versatility and willingness to engage with like-minded artists. For this release, the band worked with local producer Kendal Osborne and enlisted genre-defining engineer Corey Coffman for mixing.
Now, with their sophomore self-titled album, Downward (or LP2), the band has fully stepped beyond the confines of any singular scene, delivering a rock record that feels undeniably modern. Having refined their signature balance of airy melancholy and crushing weight, LP2 sees Downward embracing a newfound sense of expansiveness. While the influence of post-hardcore and alternative remains, this album is a bold statement of evolution—one that showcases a band no longer bound by expectations.
Recorded by Kendal Osborne and the band, and mixed and mastered by Corey Coffman, LP2 carries a sonic clarity that enhances its depth, making each moment resonate with intention. Downward's dedication to their craft has cultivated a devoted following, with multiple vinyl pressings selling out and thousands of listeners engaging with their music online. Their commitment to authenticity and quality continues to set them apart, solidifying their place as one of the most compelling forces in modern alternative music.
Downward (LP2) Track List:
1. Request Made
2. Wind Up
3. Absolute Value
4. Line
5. Darkscreen
6. Ibex
7. Out of Luck
8. Perfect Food
9. The Waltz
10. Rival
Limited vinyl variants of the album are also available now at select record stores including: Limited To One (New York City, NY), Meteor Gem (Chicago, IL), Lunchbox Record (Charlotte, NC), Gneiss Sounds (Houston, TX), Liliput Records (Milwaukee, WI), and Nile Records (Mesa, AZ).
The band is currently out on tour this month to support Movements with other bands on the scene, including Citizen and Scowl. They kicked things off in Tempe, Arizona on March 1st and are hitting cities through April such as Dallas, Nashville, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Boston, and more. They will close out the tour in Los Angeles on April 6th. Tickets are available to purchase online.
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