DOWNSET “Check Your People”
This has definitely been one of the more surprising releases from Epitaph, even with their extensively diverse line-up. I’ve heard plenty about DOWNSET in the past, but to be honest, I had never really listened to them much before. This is their first full length in more than four years, and I’d say it was worth the wait. DOWNSET play very heavy hardcore, with plenty of metal and rap influences. With this band having a strong Latino influence, there is great sense of groove that flows through the release. The thing that I really like about this is how good the lyrics are. The song titles do not do justice to the quality of lyrical content and subject matter. Song 8, “Chemical Strange,” is an awesome look into current environmental matters, and both “Play Big,” and “Test of My Heart,” are excellent tracks as well. I’m not the biggest fan of this style of music, but when done this well, and recorded this strong, “Check Your People,” is a worthy release for any collection.
Epitaph
