Double Down

Combining hard rock, country and blues, Denver Colorado's Double Down are one such band that seem to be determined to stand out from the pack with their latest EP Still Motion.

It would be hard to argue that the six songs offered are packed full of energy, passion and sincerity, with every track being played as if it may be their last. You can almost smell the dirt, sweat, and whiskey with each passing song, which all seem to be begging to be played live rather than within the confines of the recording.

The musicianship is very good. The songs are catchy while still retaining their rawness, and the lyrics of Jeff Browning add to the rollicking atmosphere of the music.

The best songs are the ones that stick closest to their country roots while still including a healthy dose of blues infused rock such as "Other Side" and "Whiskey Driver"

Overall, Double Down are a band that manages to stand out within a crowded country-rock landscape, which is becoming very a hard thing to do. They show promise through their energy, passion, honesty, as well as their ability to meld the rawness of rock n roll with the earnestness of country and blues.


- Worn Records

Double Down has a great sound. I was really surprised to hear a band like this in Denver's local scene. They combine some very tight musicians with a dynamite vocalist and grab your ear from across the room. The riffs are catchy the music is fun and the voice makes it all sing.

Catchy riffs! A perfect fit to the vocals......A haunting voice, grabbed my attention the moment I heard it..... A great sound.

Country rock, with a modern twist. The vocals pull you in, the songs are well made. Double Down is the whole package, and certainly a band to see soon. Really a treat to listen to.

Cole
A&R Dept.
CAM Records
- CAM Records

From Denver, Colorado comes the mile high rock and roll of Double Down. Having once lived in that fine city, I remember the music scene there as being one of the best I’ve experienced anywhere, and this kick ass band certainly upholds the tradition. “Polarity” is the second release from the group, which includes Jeff Browning and Darren Banach on guitars, bass, and vocals, with Paul Jarrett on drums, although the band has undergone some personnel changes since this recording. While their first CD, “Still Motion”, had a bit more of a Southern rock flavor, this new one detours from the country and takes it straight downtown with a well-produced album they describe as “more refined and complex.” If by “refined” they mean: rock your socks off, then it’s an accurate description.

Double Down comes charging out of the gate with guitars blazing on the opening tune, “Icarus,” About half way through they dish out the first of many surprises as the songs slip into a quieter middle section of synthesizer, bass, and vocal, eventually leading into a tasty lead guitar solo that reminded me a bit of Slash from Guns and Roses, a band they cite as one of their influences. Even at this early point in the CD, it is evident that Double Down is very tight, with the two guitars working together like a well-oiled machine. Another example of this six-string synergy is on “The Life I Breathe,” with one guitar laying down thick slabs of molten metal while the other interweaves chiming arpeggiated notes on the chorus.

The song called “Black Tie” was also a highlight for me and kicks off with a cool Stones-style riff, jangly guitars, and mid tempo beat before dropping the hammer and heading into heavier territory about half way through. There is even an unexpected little interlude that called to mind The Police. This song shows off the band’s command of dynamics and their ability to take a song into different sections throughout the course of it, rather than just plodding along on one track like so many groups do. The album is full of these kinds of changes and is one of the standout features of Double Down.


The acoustic guitars come out on track 4, “Wrecking Ball,” which has a bit more of an alt. rock feel to it – that is until about two thirds of the way through when they kick it up a notch and feature a smoking twin guitar lead. This song reflects another band that they mention as a major influence: The Gin Blossoms, one of my favorites of the 90’s. Their inspiration is felt on a number of songs on “Polarity” and is an interesting contrast to some of their heavier rock influences. I was also reminded a bit of Tom Petty on songs like this one and “Long Vacation.” The album yielded a final surprise for me on the last track, “Fallen”, with a dreamy guitar hook, reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing” that opens and closes the song.

Double Down has an abundance of all the elements necessary to take them to the next level: musicianship, vocals, songwriting, dynamics, and raw power with a touch of sensitivity. Check out their music to experience a real Rocky Mountain high. - Michael Diamond http://www.mdiamondsound.com

The second I hit play on Double Down’s Polarity and heard the chunky guitar rifts of “Icarus,” I knew instantly that I would love this album. My first thought was that this is gritty and dirty rock-&-roll-of-the-soul at it’s best. This is Ram Jam’s “Black Betty.” This is AC/DC strutting the stage and bringing down the house in a packed arena. Then as the song continued, I found that the vocals and rhythm began mixing in elements of such great 90’s alternative rock bands as the Foo Fighters and Goo Goo Dolls. The pairing of these two unique sounds may seem a bit odd on the surface, but Double Down pulled it off smoothly and flawlessly. Quite frankly I’m surprised that more bands haven’t tried mixing the two styles before now. Double Down is easily the love child of Guns & Roses and the Gin Blossoms, and their album Polarity from the very opening track firmly establishes that unique vibe and carries it through the entire album. Varying between softer more pop/rock tracks and straight up head banging tracks, this album has something for all rock fans. Tracks like “Better Days” and “Wrecking Ball” showcase Double Down’s lighter side, but in my opinion it’s their grittier tracks like “Icarus” and “Life I Breathe” where they shine the brightest. These are the tracks that stay with you long after listening. That’s not to say that I don’t dig their softer tracks though. On the contrary, it’s actually just a matter of awesome music versus FREAKIN’ AWESOME MUSIC! Double Down’s Polarity is a fantastic rock album. If you’re a fan of arena rock, alt rock, or just plain rocking out to great music, then this is an album that you have got to checkout! - Zack Daggy