The Walkup, Down on Pacific
Jenna Avery-Lawyer
Prepare to rock with The Walkup! This New York based group does not bring to mind visions of shining skyscrapers, but instead evokes scenes of sunny beaches crawling along the Pacific Coast. Their aptly named debut album, Down on Pacific, features ten tracks with a consistent quality throughout, setting the group up for a bright future.
Their debut album is the result of a unification of tastes among band members. Lead vocals are sung by Alex Koch; reminding me of Morrissey, but with a sunnier disposition. I can hear a smirk on his lips as he sings with a moody and pleading tone. Joining Koch's lead vocals and guitar are Sean Finnigan on lead guitar and vocals, Michael Petrucelly on drums, and newest member, Christopher Ayoub, on bass. These four have managed to capture a sound that is so popular these days, and turn it into something they can call their own. Vocals, enhanced by a slight echo effect, create the illusion of a live recording. These vocals are accompanied by chord progressions that straddle the line between East and West coast alternative rock. The album's opening track, "My Youth," does a great job of getting my feet tapping and head banging. It sets the tone for the rest of the record, as it is followed by more up-tempo tunes to keep the mood up in the room.
Creating a cohesive album is difficult, but essential. A thematic rhythm resonates throughout Down on Pacific, creating a sound I associate exclusively with the Walkup. They are successful in keeping the songs uniform, but not identical. The funky bass intro to "The Long Hours," done by Christopher "smooth as silk" Ayoub, screams for my attention immediately. The song continues to do so as the chorus begins. I find myself singing along with the catchy-as-hell
hook; rockin' out and banging my head like the rag doll they speak of.
The Walkup's music is heavy with sounds of their well-known, self-stated, influences. When "Conversation" came on, I thought I had accidentally started playing "London Calling," by the Clash. For me, sounding like the Clash is never a problem, as long as an original sound is still established. I was pleased to hear that the similarities did not carry through the entire tune. A heavy beat is sustained throughout the verse by the simple down-stroke strumming of one chord, and the steady, fast paced drumming of Petrucelly. The chorus enters; leaving that steady strumming behind, and instead developing into a heartsick alternative rock melody. Another surprise is the sudden appearance of a synthesizer, helping to build the song up to its climactic end. This is one of my favorites from the album, because it separates itself from the rest without losing uniformity.
The Walkup was able to establish their style and skills perfectly through their debut album, "Down on Pacific," helping them make their way into the spotlight. If they continue to release albums of this caliber, they will have cemented themselves into the music scene for life. The combination of the Beach Boys' party-time attitude, with the Smiths' moody and broody ways, is a match made in New York.
You can check out their music by visiting their myspace:
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