In the sprawling world of post-rock, one thing is certain: it’s impossible to predict where a band will go next, or how they’ll evolve. And when shoegaze enters the equation, the uncertainty only deepens. On paper, those two genres can introduce some sonic constraints—more guitar, less guitar; bigger melodies, smaller ones. No matter the choice, it often feels like something’s lost in translation, from simple innovation to the essence of the band itself. But with the release of their sophomore LP, Downward (aptly self-titled like their 2018 debut), the band has not just evolved, but leveled up.
The Tulsa, OK band’s 2018 debut was a blend of ethereal post-rock expanse and rich shoegaze textures. It was one of the most magnetic alt-rock records of the year, immediately placing the band on the map. Since then, a steady stream of singles and EPs proved the band’s willingness to push their creative boundaries.
Downward (LP2) stands as a monumental step forward.
The band has not simply refined their sound; they’ve redefined it. The 2025 album kicks off with “Request Made,” drawing the listener in with delicate guitar work and a near-whispered vocal, only to explode into a forceful wave of layered noise. The syncopated riff in the second half is massive, but never drowns out the raw emotion. The balance of force and fragility is maintained throughout the track as most of the album. This momentum rolls seamlessly into “Wind Up,” which continues the intensity before the tension gives way to rhythmic experimentation on “Absolute Value.”
Throughout all ten tracks, the production by Kendal Osbourne and mastering by Corey Coffman (of Gleemer) is flawless. It’s clear, crisp, and hauntingly intimate, qualities rarely praised in post-rock or shoegaze. In these quiet, nuanced moments, Downward makes their boldest statement as a band. While the distortion, noise, and atmospheric layers are still present, they pull the listener closer, inviting them to connect on a deeper level. This attention to intimacy marks a sharp departure from their debut, where the overwhelming grandeur of sound provided the focal point.
Whether bombastic or subdued, Downward (LP2) is as unique as it is comforting. Its beauty lies not only in its vast soundscapes but also in its emotional complexity. Some moments bring to mind the crushing weight of Deftones, the expansive atmosphere of Failure, and the emotional density of Joy Division. But there’s also an unmistakable Midwestern emo undertone in the vocal delivery. Pinning the group to a single genre is nearly impossible, and that’s exactly what makes them so compelling. The album is nothing short of exceptional. It captures the essence of growth, effortlessly combining sonic intensity with the subtle power of introspective emotion.
Downward (LP2) is now available on vinyl and CD from New Morality Zine and streaming on Bandcamp.
cover photography by Madden Crawshaw.