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You press play on the latest EP to find its way to your inbox, as always, you never know what to expect. As you start to crank it up, you find yourself smack in the middle of a thrashy, aggressive, rocked out rendition of Dru Hill’s 1998 hit “How Deep is Your Love?”. ‘Great cover!’ is probably what you’d assume............but you're wrong.
Tamir Ruffin, better known in the music world as Nokio the ‘N-Tity’, just recently kicked his newest project into high gear. Having enjoyed a good run of success after forming the R&B group Dru Hill, Nokio felt now might be the right time to attempt a project he’s been contemplating for a while. “I've always wanted to do a rock album,” said Nokio implying perhaps that timing was everything, “The opportunity presented itself to not only make the album, but make it with some guys that I consider brothers.” Black Angel Down’s debut EP features an All-Star lineup from some of Baltimore’s most talented rock musicians as well as fellow Dru Hill vocalist Antwuan "Tao" Simpson. So given that he co-wrote the reworked hit that spent three weeks as the hottest R&B track in the country in 1998, that definitely rules it out as being considered a cover don’t you think?.
Having only a few samples to go on before getting a chance to hear the EP, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from Black Angel Down. A big part of me honestly thought all I’d hear would be a gimicky EP full of retooled R&B songs, but after hearing the first song I came to a very different realization. Nokio’s passion for this project is evident as he and the rest of Black Angel Down deliver nothing short of an amazing effort on this rocking debut EP.
Pure rock to its core, this album is dominated by screaming guitars. The driving riff and soaring solo that kick off the EP on “The Wind” set the tone for the rest of the guitar goodness that is to come. Black Angel Down has an aggressive guitar sound that they’re not shy about using and they let it run loose on “Bitter Son” and “Save Me”. This aggressive style also contrasts extremely well with the slower tempo on a few of the tracks like “Pretty Face” and “Rokstar”. It draws the attitude of the guitar out even further. Alongside the guitar, the N-Tity’s vocals are smooth and remarkably well suited for rock. Black Angel Down was able to create some excellent harmonies through the accompaniment of Tao and layering Nokio’s vocals. It makes things sound bigger and deeper on much of the EP.
I found “Sniper Scope” to be the show stealer on the album. It opens with a taunting guitar and a thunder of drums. The song’s got a great rhythm that cruises along thanks to Nokio’s lead vocals and an equally impressive guitar solo. “Sniper Scope” is rife with energy and showcases the true skills and potential of Black Angel Down.
In and of itself the “How Deep is Your Love?” remake is reason enough to check out this EP. Nokio did a killer job re-inventing the track in a way that makes you forget the original even existed. (As far as I’m concerned, this is truly the first time I’ve ever heard the song). Including this track on the EP is pure marketing genius as people generally gravitate towards things that are familiar, especially when it comes to music. I think using this song as the bait to get them to press play is the best way to overcome that barrier. Once they get a chance to listen to the rest of the album they won’t have to hear Nokio ask how deep their love is anymore, it will simply be a footnote to the seven other pounding rock songs that are on the album. - Rocksposure.com
You press play on the latest EP to find its way to your inbox, as always, you never know what to expect. As you start to crank it up, you find yourself smack in the middle of a thrashy, aggressive, rocked out rendition of Dru Hill’s 1998 hit “How Deep is Your Love?”. ‘Great cover!’ is probably what you’d assume............but you're wrong.
Tamir Ruffin, better known in the music world as Nokio the ‘N-Tity’, just recently kicked his newest project into high gear. Having enjoyed a good run of success after forming the R&B group Dru Hill, Nokio felt now might be the right time to attempt a project he’s been contemplating for a while. “I've always wanted to do a rock album,” said Nokio implying perhaps that timing was everything, “The opportunity presented itself to not only make the album, but make it with some guys that I consider brothers.” Black Angel Down’s debut EP features an All-Star lineup from some of Baltimore’s most talented rock musicians as well as fellow Dru Hill vocalist Antwuan "Tao" Simpson. So given that he co-wrote the reworked hit that spent three weeks as the hottest R&B track in the country in 1998, that definitely rules it out as being considered a cover don’t you think?.
Having only a few samples to go on before getting a chance to hear the EP, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from Black Angel Down. A big part of me honestly thought all I’d hear would be a gimicky EP full of retooled R&B songs, but after hearing the first song I came to a very different realization. Nokio’s passion for this project is evident as he and the rest of Black Angel Down deliver nothing short of an amazing effort on this rocking debut EP.
Pure rock to its core, this album is dominated by screaming guitars. The driving riff and soaring solo that kick off the EP on “The Wind” set the tone for the rest of the guitar goodness that is to come. Black Angel Down has an aggressive guitar sound that they’re not shy about using and they let it run loose on “Bitter Son” and “Save Me”. This aggressive style also contrasts extremely well with the slower tempo on a few of the tracks like “Pretty Face” and “Rokstar”. It draws the attitude of the guitar out even further. Alongside the guitar, the N-Tity’s vocals are smooth and remarkably well suited for rock. Black Angel Down was able to create some excellent harmonies through the accompaniment of Tao and layering Nokio’s vocals. It makes things sound bigger and deeper on much of the EP.
I found “Sniper Scope” to be the show stealer on the album. It opens with a taunting guitar and a thunder of drums. The song’s got a great rhythm that cruises along thanks to Nokio’s lead vocals and an equally impressive guitar solo. “Sniper Scope” is rife with energy and showcases the true skills and potential of Black Angel Down.
In and of itself the “How Deep is Your Love?” remake is reason enough to check out this EP. Nokio did a killer job re-inventing the track in a way that makes you forget the original even existed. (As far as I’m concerned, this is truly the first time I’ve ever heard the song). Including this track on the EP is pure marketing genius as people generally gravitate towards things that are familiar, especially when it comes to music. I think using this song as the bait to get them to press play is the best way to overcome that barrier. Once they get a chance to listen to the rest of the album they won’t have to hear Nokio ask how deep their love is anymore, it will simply be a footnote to the seven other pounding rock songs that are on the album. - Rocksposure.com
This five manned band is a true follower of hard rock and they show their support in how hard they scream and hit their instruments. The guitar playing is shared by Rod and Ralphie and they play in such a shadowed and low way. The riffs strike down like thunder and louder than the drums. Ralphie’s solos are noisy and fit well into the pace of the tracks. The vocal harmonies hail the styles of Alice In Chains and Godsmack. These songs are meant to be played loud to the point of overpowering all surroundings. The bass lines add more heaviness to the music. It will make any hard rock fan happy or turn some into the powerhouse of the genre. You will hear ringing in your ears after listening to this band.
Best Track: “Sniper Scope (I Know You’re Out There)"
Find their music here: http://www.reverbnation.com/blackangeldown1 - The Musical Junkie
This five manned band is a true follower of hard rock and they show their support in how hard they scream and hit their instruments. The guitar playing is shared by Rod and Ralphie and they play in such a shadowed and low way. The riffs strike down like thunder and louder than the drums. Ralphie’s solos are noisy and fit well into the pace of the tracks. The vocal harmonies hail the styles of Alice In Chains and Godsmack. These songs are meant to be played loud to the point of overpowering all surroundings. The bass lines add more heaviness to the music. It will make any hard rock fan happy or turn some into the powerhouse of the genre. You will hear ringing in your ears after listening to this band.
Best Track: “Sniper Scope (I Know You’re Out There)"
Find their music here: http://www.reverbnation.com/blackangeldown1 - The Musical Junkie
Black Angel Down, fronted by Nokio the N-Tity, is something of a local supergroup, comprised of musicians from Baltimore’s underground hard rock scene. While there’s surely an underground edge, the term “gritty” wouldn’t really do justice to this band of multidimensional talent.
The track, “Pretty Face,” features a cocksure, hard-bitten guitar crunch. Occasional natural harmonics on the guitar provide a rich touch to the lyrics: “You know that you can’t go away / ‘Cause I just can’t let you go.”
At precisely 3:23 there’s this gorgeous vocal explosion. Truly romantic, in the alt rock sense.
I would say that this track lurks somewhere between Sevendust and Crossfade.
Regarding the track, “Wind,” the guitar riffs are very much like something Jerry Cantrell would’ve created during the mid-90s. Same thing for the titillating grungy solo that launches at 2:18.
Indeed, even the vocal component makes one reflect on the 90s glory days of Alice in Chains. There is fine chemistry between the instruments and vocals. They can both stop on a dime so abruptly, and then completely shift in another harmonic direction.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4KzuGt1RZlE
“The sun burns my eyes / ‘Til I can’t see you anymore.”
This is a fine line, much like something Layne Staley (may he rest in peace) would’ve penned right after mainlining in a rain-drenched Seattle bunker.
However, the line, “soon you’ll see the better side of me,” seems a tad more optimistic.
“Rockstars Live Eternally” is a truly great title.
My my, the guitar starts peeling away quickly in the track “Bitter Son,” which can range from spastically angst-ridden to thoughtfully melodic in its chorus.
The track, “Sniper Scope,” with its chorus, “I know you’re out there,” conveys a fine haunted rhapsody, though one wonders what the speaker’s objective(s) may be.
Black Angel Down is a band that can pummel with hard rock assault or serenade with melody. Though the distortion typically stays high, there is something so clean and professional about the sound quality, even when multiple layers are playing at the same time.
All interested parties should head to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/black-angel-down/id513587372
http://BlackAngelDown.com
Ray Cavanaugh – owleyesgatsby@yahoo.com - Skope Magazine
Black Angel Down, fronted by Nokio the N-Tity, is something of a local supergroup, comprised of musicians from Baltimore’s underground hard rock scene. While there’s surely an underground edge, the term “gritty” wouldn’t really do justice to this band of multidimensional talent.
The track, “Pretty Face,” features a cocksure, hard-bitten guitar crunch. Occasional natural harmonics on the guitar provide a rich touch to the lyrics: “You know that you can’t go away / ‘Cause I just can’t let you go.”
At precisely 3:23 there’s this gorgeous vocal explosion. Truly romantic, in the alt rock sense.
I would say that this track lurks somewhere between Sevendust and Crossfade.
Regarding the track, “Wind,” the guitar riffs are very much like something Jerry Cantrell would’ve created during the mid-90s. Same thing for the titillating grungy solo that launches at 2:18.
Indeed, even the vocal component makes one reflect on the 90s glory days of Alice in Chains. There is fine chemistry between the instruments and vocals. They can both stop on a dime so abruptly, and then completely shift in another harmonic direction.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=4KzuGt1RZlE
“The sun burns my eyes / ‘Til I can’t see you anymore.”
This is a fine line, much like something Layne Staley (may he rest in peace) would’ve penned right after mainlining in a rain-drenched Seattle bunker.
However, the line, “soon you’ll see the better side of me,” seems a tad more optimistic.
“Rockstars Live Eternally” is a truly great title.
My my, the guitar starts peeling away quickly in the track “Bitter Son,” which can range from spastically angst-ridden to thoughtfully melodic in its chorus.
The track, “Sniper Scope,” with its chorus, “I know you’re out there,” conveys a fine haunted rhapsody, though one wonders what the speaker’s objective(s) may be.
Black Angel Down is a band that can pummel with hard rock assault or serenade with melody. Though the distortion typically stays high, there is something so clean and professional about the sound quality, even when multiple layers are playing at the same time.
All interested parties should head to: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/black-angel-down/id513587372
http://BlackAngelDown.com
Ray Cavanaugh – owleyesgatsby@yahoo.com - Skope Magazine
Discography
Black Angel Down EP --- (2012)
Singles
Wind---- Played on 98 Rock (WIYY Baltimore)
Toronto Rock Show ( Toronto, Ontario )
Gas House Radio ( Philadelphia, PA)
101.9 Fox Fx ( Myrtel Beach, SC)
Funk Gumbo Radio ( Los Angeles, CA )
The Uncle Earl Show ( Los Angeles, CA)
Pretty Face---Played on 98 Rock (WIYY Baltimore)
Toronto Rock Show ( Toronto, Ontario )
Gas House Radio ( Philadelphia, PA)
101.9 Fox Fx ( Myrtel Beach, SC)
Funk Gumbo Radio ( Los Angeles, CA )
The Uncle Earl Show ( Los Angeles, CA)
How Deep Is Your Love---
Played on 98 Rock (WIYYBaltimore)
Toronto Rock Show ( Toronto, Ontario )
Gas House Radio ( Philadelphia, PA)
101.9 Fox Fx ( Myrtel Beach, SC)
Funk Gumbo Radio ( Los Angeles, CA )
The Uncle Earl Show ( Los Angeles, CA)
Photos
Bio
The mythological symbolism of the circular serpent eating its own tail, known as the Ouroboros, represents a constant re-creating of oneself. What better symbol to use for a band that features an already established multi platinum artist from the R&B world mixed in with legendary members of the Baltimore underground rock scene?
BLACK ANGEL DOWN, born from the ashes of some of Baltimore’s most widely successful and sound forging rock bands like The Mayan Factor, Imbue and Agents of the Sun is polygamous in how they have married multiple genres into a union that incorporates rock, soul and R&B. Fronted by Nokio, the N-Tity, of legendary multi platinum R&B group, Dru Hill, BLACK ANGEL DOWN’s sound is layered with in your face, hard-hitting grooves and soulful melodic vocals and harmonies.
Captivating audiences and winning over fans with the very first note at their live shows, it’s no surprise that Skope Magazine named them a “super group”, and various media outlets such as Artist in the Plus and Rocksposure.com
Having played to sold out crowds across the country in venues such as Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore, MD and the Bitter End in NYC, BLACK ANGEL DOWN has created a huge buzz amongst their peers and garnered the attention of industry leaders such as WIYY Baltimore, 98 Rock’s own Matt Davis who has championed the band’s music by placing their song “Wind” in heavy rotation. Industry vet Gary Jay, owner of Land Shark Promotions invited them to headline at the Land Shark Promotions Stage during the 2013 SXSW in Austin, TX where they also performed to a sold out crowd. “The creative energy and professionalism of this band is way beyond anything I’ve been involved in before,” says co-founder and guitarist Kevin Baker. “1-2-3-4 and BAM! It’s like a bomb hits every venue we play and the energy shoots from the stage and blows everyone’s hair back in slow motion…it’s like swallowing the red pill and waking up in the Matrix.”
BLACK ANGEL DOWN is more than your average band. They are an experience that has shattered the clichés that keep music in a box and have unleashed a sound that cultivates an emotional connection to what music is supposed to be….life, love and Rock & Soul.
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