{"id":28454,"date":"2024-07-15T07:57:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-15T05:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/addtowantlist.com\/?p=28454"},"modified":"2024-07-15T08:10:23","modified_gmt":"2024-07-15T06:10:23","slug":"new-album-down-by-law-crazy-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/addtowantlist.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/15\/new-album-down-by-law-crazy-days\/","title":{"rendered":"New album: Down By Law || Crazy Days"},"content":{"rendered":"

Down By Law has been around since the early ’90s, a time when they were part of Epitaph Records at its Punk-O-Rama<\/em> peak. Unlike the typical melodic punk bands of the era, Down By Law’s influences were broader, their sound more diverse. They may not have been the most popular, but they’ve always held a special place in the hearts of passionate fans. Personally, I think the band hit their peak in the ’90s with their trilogy of records (Blue, Punkrockacademyfightsong<\/em>, and All Scratched Up!<\/em>), but all of their stuff has made it to my collection. I have been impressed with their recent resurgence with All In<\/em> (2018) and Lonely Town<\/em><\/a> (2021), and now, they\u2019re back with a new LP, Crazy Days<\/em>, that I think may please longtime fans even more.<\/p>\n

Can you believe it\u2019s been over 30 years of Down By Law? Crazy Days<\/em> sounds like it was recorded during the band’s prime. The opener Stand Up, Stand Down<\/em> would fit right in on Blue<\/em> (1992), and Tradition<\/em> even closes with the classic riff fromThe Last Brigade<\/em> as a Sam Williams Easter egg for dedicated fans. There are more hints to the different periods in the band’s career, like on Break Away<\/em> which has shades of the more rock-oriented and emotional-heavy tracks from Punkrockacademyfightsong<\/em> (1994) – particularly in the (pre-)chorus. Yet, this isn’t just a throwback record; it’s a culmination of everything that came before.<\/p>\n

Crazy Days<\/em> is a highly melodic and original take on punk rock, showcasing a band playing with the urgency and passion of musicians who understand that their time together is precious. Dave Smalley’s distinct voice, still as heartfelt as ever, adds a moving layer, especially considering his recent health scare (thankfully, Smalley is now cancer-free but still facing recovery challenges*). His lyrics, always deeply personal, now carry an even more profound sense of humanity – sample lyric from Wandering Train<\/em>:\u00a0“The destination isn’t clear, but I’m happy just to sit here, and ride the wandering train.” Drink Deep<\/em> is a beautiful reminder to appreciate life’s blessings.<\/p>\n

Throughout it all, Sam Williams’ guitar work remains unique and essential, driving the songs with energy and emotion. By now, I am sure if you’d look up the definition of synergy in your dictionary you’d find the answer to refer to Sam Williams and Dave Smalley making music together. New drummer Matt Morris seamlessly fits in with his dynamic drumming, adding fresh energy to the band.<\/p>\n

Crazy Days<\/em> is a heartfelt, inspired, diverse and energetic album that not only pays homage to Down By Law’s storied past but also confidently strides into the future. It is out now through Cleopatra Records and Kung Fu Records.<\/p>\n

*In support of Smalley’s recovery, his children have set up a GoFundMe page to help with mounting medical bills. If you\u2019d like to contribute, you can find it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n