Downhill is a brand new experimental project from Boston, Massachusetts. Mixing elements of Grunge, Alternative, Metal and Post-Rock the group recently dropped their debut three-song EP. “Intermission” was released worldwide to all major streaming services on May 27, 2021. With the record, Downhill introduces us to a wildly creative new sound marked by complex emotional themes and a dark, multi-genre style.
The record opens on “Nectar.” The song sets the stage for what’s to come. Electric guitar chords strum a reverb-soaked mood with a Western, almost cinematic sound. By the :45 mark, a slow and heavy beat drops. Powerful Heavy Metal drums sounds are paired with a mellow Grunge guitar. Soon the singer enters the mix with whispered tones and esoteric lyrics which shift between dark memories and a gloomy present.
The tracks on “Intermission” work as connected parts of a whole, each relaying subtle variations on the record’s mix of musical styles and emotional and cryptic lyrical themes. Each song opens with that lone and lonesome guitar. The compositions feature Prog-Rock style complexity, moving beyond the standard verse/chorus/verse arrangement of typical Rock fare. For Instance, the second track “Home” flows from Goth moods to Indie Rock dissonance, and ultimately to a double-kick drum Metal march.
The record closes on the hypnagogic “Dreaming.” This time Downhill hints at Asian melodies in the introduction. As the song progresses we move into a hypnotic downtempo beat and swirling minor key guitar melodies. Meanwhile, the singer delivers a series of almost subconscious mantras, like “look in the open, look all around.” It’s an unsettling mix of potentially positive lyrics, delivered in a decidedly somber tone. It’s an easy sound to get lost in.
Check out “Intermission” in its entirety below. You can also hear the track “Home” on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. Follow the links below the video to connect with Downhill. A new album is already in the works. Get on their socials and get in the loop on all of the current and future project from Downhill.