Downshallow Call It Quits - A final CD brings a great decade to an end Recently, I had gotten an email from Downshallow guitarist Rob Ferreira baring the bad news that one of my favorite bands was calling it quits. When I asked why he said it was just time. And I can relate to that. I was first introduced to Downshallow back in early 2002. Initially as an acoustic act at an open mic in Hoboken, they then handed me a four-song demo, revealing their signature heavier side. Over the years, the band proved to be musically diverse and sonically challenging. There was never a dull moment. Despite that reputation for heaviness, you didn't ever really knew what to expect from them. One moment could be an all-out heavy romp. Another, a stripped-down acoustic intimacy. Still another, a more ethereal exploration of sound. All the while running thru was an undeniable quality that was uniquely Downshallow. Their final release 'The New Fashion' is a worthy swan song. The opening track 'What You've Become' (featured above) gives a good preview of what to expect. Offering up the culmination of ten years of songwriting and experimentation, the dynamic range is massive. From the gentlest emotions to the hardest eruptions and an ocean of the unexpected in between (i.e. a cover of 'Come Undone'). It was constant realism and heart that defined this band and differentiated them from the pack. It elevated mere music to sheer mastery. Each track on 'The New Fashion' is a journey unto itself. As a whole, it feels like a goodbye to me. I can't say if that was planned or if it's just because I know that this is the end. The band members will continue to work on various projects and I look forward to hearing whatever they decide to do. However, Downshallow will always have a special place in my memory. Good luck guys! - Stephen Bailey.com "Over the years I've watched Downshallow grow from a good hard rock band in the New Jersey scene, to one of the best live bands. With each release they got a step closer to capturing their rabble-rousing live sound. In what may be their last release (as long-time guitarist and co-writer, Rob Ferreira, recently announced his departure from the band), they come the closest, and also put together a very solid hard rock album. In addition to the amazing 11 originals on this album, is a very interesting take on Duran Duran's, "Come Undone", that adds a sense of urgency and intensity to the lyrics that was never in the original version. If this ends up being the last thing Downshallow ever does, the guys went out on a high note ." - Lazlo - BlowUpRadio.com - Album of the Week 5/16/10 Each track can be considered a masterpiece. There is not one song on this disc that sounds the same, and listeners of all genres will love the music of Downshallow. - The Sun Chronicle, Attleboro, MA Downshallow mix a variety of hard rock styles into a professional package. Most tracks are designed to allow frontman Alex Shaddix to flex his impressive vocal chords, whether the tracks are classic soft verse/loud chorus grunge, full on headbangers, or power ballads. Fans of modern rock will appreciate the varied guitar textures and tempos, and the enhanced CD includes some video footage of the band, live and in the studio. A very impressive package from a local band doing it themselves. - Jersey Beat Magazine New Jersey’s Downshallow is at it again, offering up another round of visceral, rousing music that combines metal, alternative, and hard rock. Relying on the strength of a passionate vocal performance, not to be outdone by the precise bass and drums and the versatile guitar work that flows from sledgehammer-style riffing to delicate interludes with refined grace, this quartet’s pulsating melding of metal and hard rock is the kind of provocative and cathartic music that rock fans everywhere should get an earful of. - EarCandyMag.com Downshallow's Get Off has a great buildup in the verses which culminates into a powerful chorus... ...You're sure to dig more than a few bands/songs on here if you are at all into rock. Open your ears up to some cool new sounds straight from your own backyard. - Steppin' Out Magazine "Very Impressive!" Their music is pretty dark, moody, and lyrically very deep! If you want to check out Downshallow’s music or find out where they are playing next (and you should!), go to www.downshallow.com -  East Coast Rocker Hard rock is back. You can thank Downshallow next time you catch them live.  - 316productions