For those with a penchant for the punk, pop-punk, and alternative strains akin to the likes of The Gaslight Anthem, Samiam, and Hot Water Music, Superdown’s latest offering beckons as an intriguing sonic expedition.
Hailing from the vibrant musical hub of Boston, Massachusetts, this band approaches their craft with a precision that never fails to seize the listener’s attention. Within their sonic tapestry, vocal dynamics fluidly oscillate from a gentle caress to a raw, unbridled intensity, all set against a backdrop of distorted guitar riffs and unwavering rhythmic fervor.
Superdown’s inaugural LP, “Return to Sender,” serves as a testament to their artistry, conjuring a sense of nostalgia while weaving in a contemporary thread of innovation. Gruff vocal renderings interweave with infectious melodies, leaving audiences humming in unison as each track reaches its zenith. The band’s musical canvas pays homage to the resonant punk and indie rock tones of the 90s but imbues them with a contemporary vibrancy.
As we embark on this auditory journey through “Return to Sender,” the thematic depth and musical intricacy gradually unfurl. Check out the band’s special track by track commentary below!
UAA
‘Return to Sender’ begins with an ethereal note that blooms into the initial chords of UAA. Setting the tone for what’s to come, it is the calm before the storm.
AWAY
This track truly embodies the essence of Superdown and is a strong example of our signature sound. The chorus came naturally and pretty much wrote itself in one rehearsal.
Rattle
Many songs on the record have recurring themes. Rattle is one that seems to hold many of them. The riff, the lyrical focus and melody have lent themselves to demos and alternate versions of the song since 2012 but just hadn’t found a final form. When we formed the band and jammed the riff, it quickly took form and lived alongside Away as one of our first songs.
Alright
Alright was the first song we wrote that had soft edges. After writing it, we played it on repeat until Matt would lose his voice. We knew for sure it’d be a single after the chorus came together. The song is about falling in love in a twisted world.
Wasted
Wasted encapsulates summertime afternoons when there was nothing to lose. It captures the sinking feeling as the day becomes wavy and the sun goes down
Backbone
Backbone serves as a reminder in the fleeting present to break free from the monotony of the 9-5 grind and prioritize your own happiness and well-being over corporate bullshit. It’s about valuing human connection and sticking up for yourself.
Ships
The song ships touches on existential dread and the passing of time. A memory in a VHS player rewinding and fast forwarding. The sun rising and setting, plants and people growing and dying. The chorus lyrics started as “London flowers grow up tall wilt and die” but after the track came together and the themes developed, we switched the words to “We’re all flowers”.
Nights
A sister song kindred to ‘Wasted’, Nights is more about not being able to see beauty in things due to other fixations. It describes what it’s like to have invasive thoughts that steal you from the present moment and the destructive path that can come from this.
Patterns
Patterns is a call to address the issue of learned racism and its deep roots in society. It urges individuals to reflect on their own biases and actively challenge them, rather than ignoring them. The goal is to break down these harmful patterns and create a more inclusive society.
Stare
Stare began as a riff written during a snowstorm after a breakup. The song explores the idea of giving too much of oneself to another person and the resulting unraveling. The broken toy metaphor was a perfect fit, so we really ran with it. It was a fun challenge to find ways to connect adult emotions with childish imagery. The outro of the track was an obvious ender for the record.
