REVIEW: Down to Nothing – ‘Life on the James’

Band: Down to Nothing
Album: Life on the James
Label: Revelation Records
Genre: Hardcore

Down to Nothing is Richmond, Virginia’s hardcore golden child. Having this much love and popularity as a band comes with certain expectations of quality in new material, especially when the last full record you put out was five years ago (The Most on Revelation Records). The question I know the hardcore scene is asking themselves is whether or not the album was worth the wait, and I am here to supply an answer.

When you boil it down, this is first and foremost a typical Down to Nothing record. It’s fast, grooves like hell, and begs you to head walk on your friend’s face (more than once). In true Down to Nothing fashion, Life on the James turns everything up to 11, and doesn’t give you room to breathe as it crushes you like someone crowd-killing at the edge of the pit. Down to Nothing isn’t out to reinvent the wheel, and it’s this unashamed love of straight up hardcore that shines through on these tracks. From the skate-punk influenced title track, “Life on the James,” to the mid-tempo banger “When I Rest I Rust,” Down to Nothing takes their tried and true formula for success and makes a fun set of tracks that will have kids moshing for a while. Is Life on the James just a dialed in effort by the band, that brings nothing really new to the table? Not entirely. While at its core this record is not anything wholly original, there are a number of small tweaks that build on the familiar framework of DTN’s music that makes Life on the James a welcome addition to the Down to Nothing discography. They’re not out to progress, they’re here to make hardcore records.

Lyrically, Life on the James is about Richmond and its surrounding community. May it be as literal as “Dirty South,” a love letter to the Southern punk scene, or “Brothers Turned Strangers,” a song about lost friendship, Life on the James is a record about home, and the struggles that come with being so personally invested in a city, state, and community. Initially, I was confused at the idea of Life on the James being an album about hometown pride, because frankly so many songs by Down to Nothing deal with community. But with this record the effort seems more focused, and you can feel the love of their hometown with every single word, while at the same time feeling relatable no matter where you come from. Admittedly, I live within the realm of the DC punk scene, which bleeds into the Richmond scene, so I feel a little more pride when listening to this record, but I’m confident those feelings will transfer to any listener.

Life on the James is a record about home- and when listening to Down to Nothing’s latest effort you get something that’s familiar and exciting at the same time. This is the kind of record you’ll bang your head to with your friends on your way to the next basement show, and will consistently bring a smile to your face with each and every listen.

 

SCORE: 8.5/10

Written By: Tyler Osborne

Tyler Osborne
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