Down by law-Champions at heart

DC Jam
2012

 Dave Smalley formed Down by law back in 1989 after he left All. The band had several line-up changes along the way, but released  eight albums between 1991 and 2003This is the first album from Down by law in nine years. However they have been active in the last few  years as they released a free song on their website called  Bullets in 2008 and they toured sparingly in 2009 and 2010. They stick to the path of the previous albums pumping out pop infused punk that's simple and melodic. The sound reminds me of their 90's material. That's fine in that they consistent and easily enjoyable then, but of course they don't break any new ground here. Tracks like "Bullets", "New song" and "Tiny answers" show the band's ability to mix steady, semi-fast punk with catchy melodies. I was really into this album after ten tracks, but the last six tracks fall into one of two categories-just alright or they sound a whole lot like one of the first ten songs only not as powerful. This gives it a bit of a front heavy heavy feel. It didn't finish as well as it began, but still a decent album.