Down To Nothing - The Most

[Blake Solomon]

Down To Nothing – The Most
Record Label: Revelation Records
Release Date: July 17, 2007

Don’t get me wrong, I love meeting new people. The part I can’t stand is when a person I originally pegged as “friend material” ends up being a dud. After a trial period of sorts, the decision must be made: Can I overlook an affinity for Dragonball Z and a hatred for general hygiene? Not likely. These tryouts don’t simply exist in my ever-dwindling social stratosphere – I am my own greenhouse gas – but I also put many albums through similarly rigorous tests. Much like my former pal Richard, Down To Nothing’s The Most appeared to be a fine companion. However, in the same way Richard “borrowed” the boxers from my unmentionables drawer, this angry hardcore band rubbed me the wrong way.

Down To Nothing has crafted a typical hardcore release. And hey, there’s nothing wrong with that. Until “typical” costs 12 bucks, that is. Songs like the gang-chorus heavy “Down On You” and the combination of southern rock solos and slow breakdowns in “My Disguise” please instantly. But the (thankfully) short and jumbled mess of “No Faith,” complete with vocalist David Wood’s lack of religious imagination (heh), reveals the true mediocrity of Down To Nothing.

The Most is full of songs with little variability. “Running Out” would be cool if I hadn’t heard essentially the same song three minutes prior (“Serve And Neglect”). The lyrics do preach better than most ministers, but it’s nothing we haven’t heard before. “Higher Learning” attacks apathy with Wood’s passionate delivery and a feisty bass drum. True, this song isn’t a huge departure either, but the components come together in a way that makes the lack of creativity simply an afterthought. It’s a scathing hardcore anthem that should serve as motivation for future Down To Nothing records.

So maybe I didn’t like The Most quite as much as expected. It’s good for a few, very spread out listens and features enough memorable, fist-pumping moments. The Most is that dude you only call when everyone else is out of town, and a movie by yourself seems a tad desperate. By no means enemies, but not necessarily buddies either. Acquaintances at best.


Recommended If You Like: Ruiner, Have Heart, moonshine, Verse, dollar movie theaters


www.myspace.com/downtonothing

[redsand62]

hahaha, an affinity for dbz. great review.

[xjustinx]

I just read it again, a little more thoroughly than I had before.

I like your writing style a lot, but I completely disagree with the review and scores it got. I was without an ipod for a month and I listened to this nearly every day for that month, and I'm still listening to it. It is their best release so far, in my opinion.

[mariaftw]

I haven't heard the album yet [I think I'm one of the few that didn't download it months ago] but I saw the band on their record release show. And they've continued to be one of the best live hardcore bands out there, in my opinion.

[Blake Solomon]

I just read it again, a little more thoroughly than I had before.

I like your writing style a lot, but I completely disagree with the review and scores it got. I was without an ipod for a month and I listened to this nearly every day for that month, and I'm still listening to it. It is their best release so far, in my opinion.



I understand. Thanks for reading so thoroughly, and even though we disagree, i see your points. When I first heard this, I really liked it. But that was when I was doing other things and it was background music. When I had the chance to focus on it, things started to unravel. It is a bit of a mess and even at 22 minutes, feels long. There are some shining bright spots ("Down On You", "Serve And Neglect"), but far too many duds around them.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

I have to disagree. While it's far from perfect, DTN is one of the last good hardcore bands left. And, as someone else said, they put on a great live show.

Good to see AP covering some hardcore though.

[Gringolingo]

Definitely enjoyed seeing a DTN review on this site, and I'd love to see more hardcore bands reviewed here as well.

While I definitely understand your points, much like everyone who posted here, I have to disagree. While the CD can most certainly get a tad repetitive I really really enjoy it. Definitely a solid DTN release, and an excellent follow up to Splitting Headache.

But awesome review though, excellent choice :)

[Spicoli hey bud]

As far as Down To Nothing releases, this album probably falls short of Save It For the Birds and Splitting Headache. However, as far as albums go overall, most albums from this year fall short of The Most.

As for your review, I find it very hard to agree with much of what you said.

[Blake Solomon]

As far as Down To Nothing releases, this album probably falls short of Save It For the Birds and Splitting Headache. However, as far as albums go overall, most albums from this year fall short of The Most.

As for your review, I find it very hard to agree with much of what you said.


ok, my bad.

[Specs]

Don't apologize to them Blake. You have a right to your opinion. Most of these people haven't heard nearly the amount of music that you have. It's their bad.

[StandMyBrothers]

Hanging Out is What we do best

[iwasahero]

I really like Save it For the Birds, and I have yet to listen to this one.

Sounds like there is some differing opinions.

[xjustinx]

I really like Save it For the Birds, and I have yet to listen to this one.

Sounds like there is some differing opinions.
Listen to it.


Now.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Don't apologize to them Blake. You have a right to your opinion. Most of these people haven't heard nearly the amount of music that you have. It's their bad.

Yeah, it's our fault that we don't agree. :rolleyes:

[fromwithin]

oh yeah lets do hardcore reviews and be kewl.

[Blake Solomon]

oh yeah lets do hardcore reviews and be kewl.



haha, got me!

[iwasahero]

oh yeah lets do hardcore reviews and be kewl.
Hah, at least he's trying to be different.

I think this site needs to find someone who would focus on only metal/hardcore releases.

[InaGreendase]

This is the only DTN album I've liked. The lyrics are silly but this is a really strong effort -- it's a little more in line with Bane and modern bands of that ilk who nod to Turning Point than the stupid mosh-twostep-mosh stuff they've been recording for years.

Probably in the year's top 5 hardcore albums as of this moment.

[Blake Solomon]

This is the only DTN album I've liked. The lyrics are silly but this is a really strong effort -- it's a little more in line with Bane and modern bands of that ilk who nod to Turning Point than the stupid mosh-twostep-mosh stuff they've been recording for years.

Probably in the year's top 5 hardcore albums as of this moment.



I was waiting for you to comment :-)


But yeah, I don't not like this release, i just think there is better stuff out there at the moment. It's not a bad release by any means.

And this isn't directed at you, but people see 66% and think I've trashed or hated the album, which couldn't be further from the truth. Thank goodness for opinions!

[xjustinx]

This is the only DTN album I've liked. The lyrics are silly but this is a really strong effort -- it's a little more in line with Bane and modern bands of that ilk who nod to Turning Point than the stupid mosh-twostep-mosh stuff they've been recording for years.

Probably in the year's top 5 hardcore albums as of this moment.

Seconded. Their two step parts on this album are really good though. I'm glad they retained a lot of punk elements, though.

[last light]

didnt dig this album, never really clicked with me. its decent, but i got pretty bored.

[born to expire]

I haven't heard this yet, but I'm not too into the two songs on the myspace. I don't think they sound like Turning Point at all...

Splitting Headache and Save It For The Birds are great though.


I'm just curious as to whether or not the reviewer has heard everything else by DTN. Most people who do hardcore reviews on this site are misinformed 90% of the time they try to review a hardcore cd. Everything is described as "for fans of Bane, American Nightmare, and Champion."


EDIT:

Yeah man, I hate to sound like a dick... I just checked out your profile. You can listen to whatever you want, but I just don't understand why they don't have a person who listens to hardcore review hardcore albums for this site. That Ross dude was doing an OK job at one point, but I haven't read anything by him in a while. If you don't get "it," it's going to be hard to write an accurate review.

[xjustinx]

I haven't heard this yet, but I'm not too into the two songs on the myspace. I don't think they sound like Turning Point at all...

Splitting Headache and Save It For The Birds are great though.


I'm just curious as to whether or not the reviewer has heard everything else by DTN. Most people who do hardcore reviews on this site are misinformed 90% of the time they try to review a hardcore cd. Everything is described as "for fans of Bane, American Nightmare, and Champion."


EDIT:

Yeah man, I hate to sound like a dick... I just checked out your profile. You can listen to whatever you want, but I just don't understand why they don't have a person who listens to hardcore review hardcore albums for this site. That Ross dude was doing an OK job at one point, but I haven't read anything by him in a while. If you don't get "it," it's going to be hard to write an accurate review.
I completely agree with you. Having the whole background as more than just a casual listener is frequently required for the genre.

[Blake Solomon]

I haven't heard this yet, but I'm not too into the two songs on the myspace. I don't think they sound like Turning Point at all...

Splitting Headache and Save It For The Birds are great though.


I'm just curious as to whether or not the reviewer has heard everything else by DTN. Most people who do hardcore reviews on this site are misinformed 90% of the time they try to review a hardcore cd. Everything is described as "for fans of Bane, American Nightmare, and Champion."


EDIT:

Yeah man, I hate to sound like a dick... I just checked out your profile. You can listen to whatever you want, but I just don't understand why they don't have a person who listens to hardcore review hardcore albums for this site. That Ross dude was doing an OK job at one point, but I haven't read anything by him in a while. If you don't get "it," it's going to be hard to write an accurate review.


Im not reviewing Splitting Headache or Save It For The Birds. I'm reviewing The Most. I listen to hardcore music, I have no idea when the last time that profile was updated, and it certainly isn't comprehensive. This release was completely ordinary, and I stand by that.

[born to expire]

Im not reviewing Splitting Headache or Save It For The Birds. I'm reviewing The Most. I listen to hardcore music, I have no idea when the last time that profile was updated, and it certainly isn't comprehensive. This release was completely ordinary, and I stand by that.

I have no opinion on the cd. Like I said above, I have only heard two songs... I don't care whether or not you think it was ordinary. My point is that you are doing a disservice to your readers by not comparing the releases or giving any substantial background information whatsoever. Also, to say that this band sounds like Ruiner, Verse, and Have Heart is a completely ridiculous statement.

[born to expire]

Seconded. Their two step parts on this album are really good though. I'm glad they retained a lot of punk elements, though.


hahahaha

"two step parts"

great.

[born to expire]

Don't apologize to them Blake. You have a right to your opinion. Most of these people haven't heard nearly the amount of music that you have. It's their bad.

I enjoyed this post as well.

Thanks.

[Blake Solomon]

I have no opinion on the cd. Like I said above, I have only heard two songs... I don't care whether or not you think it was ordinary. My point is that you are doing a disservice to your readers by not comparing the releases or giving any substantial background information whatsoever. Also, to say that this band sounds like Ruiner, Verse, and Have Heart is a completely ridiculous statement.



It doesn't say: This Band Sounds Like:


It says: Recommended If You Like:


I like those bands, I moderately dig this band.


I am ridiculous, but for much different reasons.

[xjustinx]

hahahaha

"two step parts"

great.
Oh, cool, I worded that wrong.

[xjustinx]

hahahaha

"two step parts"

great.
Let me just take advantage of the fact that I'm dealing with an expert here...the parts of some of the songs when it's nothing but two step riffs..what would you call those?

[born to expire]

Let me just take advantage of the fact that I'm dealing with an expert here...the parts of some of the songs when it's nothing but two step riffs..what would you call those?

"two step riff" just doesn't really mean anything to me. maybe i am oblivious.

reviewer: my bad... didn't realize it said that.

[Blake Solomon]

no problem dude, and Im going to keep doing hardcore reviews. There are lots of people around here who want to read them. As it is now, we don't have anyone on staff that does them exclusively, but it won't always be like that, im sure.

[born to expire]

no problem dude, and Im going to keep doing hardcore reviews. There are lots of people around here who want to read them. As it is now, we don't have anyone on staff that does them exclusively, but it won't always be like that, im sure.

definitely do more reviews.

just include some background information and try to compare releases because it makes it much easier for everyone else.

they've been trying to get a person to exclusively do hardcore reviews here for years and it has never worked out.

try writing about the new war hungry 7", doors in the sand (www.myspace.com/doorsinthesandpkny), bitter end - climate of fear, etc. etc.

wooord.

[xjustinx]

"two step riff" just doesn't really mean anything to me. maybe i am oblivious.

reviewer: my bad... didn't realize it said that.
I'm assuming you don't play music then?

[born to expire]

I'm assuming you don't play music then?

i play guitar.

calling something a "two step part" just sounds stupid.

[xjustinx]

i play guitar.

calling something a "two step part" just sounds stupid.
Okay, well a part of a song containing a two step riff..what would you call it?

[xnovemberxx]

justin is an asshole
just kidding
lets hang out this weekend.
hahahaha

[okaykiddo]

Its not great, but not really 66% bad either. Its a solid record in every aspect, not pushing any boundries, but fuck it, if I wanted avant grade I'd hit up Sigur Ros. I actually thought 'No Faith' was pretty good. Short, sweet and to the point, judging from your profile could that account for the 6 for lyrics?