Santa Barbara, CA's Downpresser is back with their debut LP "Don't Need a Reason" on 6131 Records. Having released an EP entitled "Age of Ignorance" on Triple B back in 2009, Downpresser is set to make their mark on the current hardcore scene with this first LP. Although chock full of familiar and fairly predictable metallic New York hardcore groove, Downpresser adds a distinct 90s metalcore influence in the guitar tone that makes their heaviness just a little more aggressive enough to set them apart from at least some of their peers. "Twist of Fate" and "Mercy of Judgement" shift fairly impressively from homages to hardcore past with fast paced punk riffs before diving head first into the New York grooves reminiscent of Madball, Skarhead, and Killing Time. Don't expect this record to reinvent the wheel folks, Downpresser isn't interested in anything except playing straight forward, East Coast inspired metallic hardcore that goes for the jugular. Despite not being the most impressive at their craft, they present their product with enough energy and conviction to hold even the most hardened skeptics attention. "Beyond Recognition" is by far the album's most interesting and eclectic track. Clocking in at 7:43, "Beyond Recognition" includes the most noticeable metalcore influence and, although lengthy, does not bore the listener with unnecessary fillers or confusing elements that would otherwise show the band stepping out of its comfort zone in order to achieve diversity in sound. When all is said and done, "Don't Need a Reason" is interesting, although not interesting enough to fully set this band apart from the rather large crowd playing this particular style of hardcore. I tip my hat to Downpresser for their willingness to think outside of the box and, although they may not particularly be interesting in expanding their audience, I believe they have the talent and capability to do so provided they continue to grow as musicians and songwriters.
7.0 / 10