The Fifth Down
Red Bank, New Jersey, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | SELF
Music
Press
The two bands I noticed that didn’t fall into the trap of a pop-punk sound and the disguise of an easy, catchy chorus were The Fifth Down from Red Bank and Cinnaminson’s If All Else Fails, with whom I had the pleasure to talk about their history, music and beating the small-town musician’s nightmare.
The Fifth Down was the third act of the day. They were young and energetic and donned all-black pants-and-dress-shirt attire. I thought the first song was falling into the depths of pop-punk blah, but as they progressed through their set list, it was clear they had a wide array of influences.
Hearing small, high school bands, my first thought is to pinpoint the artists they so clearly worship, yet I just couldn’t place these influences with The Fifth Down. The songs took on a rockabilly sound, and the keyboardist did an excellent job of making the band memorable. The band’s lead vocalist, Kyle Murphy, explained, “the keyboardist has ’50s influences, and me and the guitarist - Alexa Smith-Rommel
The two bands I noticed that didn’t fall into the trap of a pop-punk sound and the disguise of an easy, catchy chorus were The Fifth Down from Red Bank and Cinnaminson’s If All Else Fails, with whom I had the pleasure to talk about their history, music and beating the small-town musician’s nightmare.
The Fifth Down was the third act of the day. They were young and energetic and donned all-black pants-and-dress-shirt attire. I thought the first song was falling into the depths of pop-punk blah, but as they progressed through their set list, it was clear they had a wide array of influences.
Hearing small, high school bands, my first thought is to pinpoint the artists they so clearly worship, yet I just couldn’t place these influences with The Fifth Down. The songs took on a rockabilly sound, and the keyboardist did an excellent job of making the band memorable. The band’s lead vocalist, Kyle Murphy, explained, “the keyboardist has ’50s influences, and me and the guitarist - Alexa Smith-Rommel
Discography
Live at The Stone Pony 2/10
Photos
Bio
From simple beginnings of some poor planning to become a ska band, The Fifth Down began as a group of friends playing for a middle school talent show. Originally The Autumn Foundation, then Infamus Dru, and many other names in between, The Fifth Down became the final name for the group of five middle school kids. After a change in drummers after entering high school the line up now is comprised of George Ford on Drums, Elias Kotsis on Keyboard, Bobby Lussier on Guitar, Kyle Murphy as the lead vocalist, and Ethan Wagner on Bass Guitar. (To see full band member biographies visit the website.)
From playing The Stone Pony multiple times a year, to playing at Fright Fest at Six Flags, to recently playing the Trocadero Theatre, The Fifth Down keeps busy with local and not so local gigs. A distinct and often called unique sound of pop punk and alternative roots leads to what we all know as The Fifth Down sound. Along with an interesting sound, the live performances encompass a gusto and humor that cannot be matched by many acts along the Jersey Shore. Known for the black shirt and ties of varying colors it is hard to mistake anyone for The Fifth Down!
Band Members
Links
