"More dreamy than disconsolate, the Drown’s heavy bass lines are indebted to the bleak underbelly of ‘80s New Wave, crossing the bridge between Echo & the Bunnymen’s mood-spinning psychedelia and Joy Division’s suicidal disco. However, the Drown dare to explore more styles than most of today’s New Wave revivalists." - cdreviews.com
"Words don't easily describe The Drown, which is a good thing. From wry commentary on the state of an artist and it's audience to intense from-the-outside-looking-in perspectives, this is a band that covers a wide range of styles, genres, and emotions. William Byron is a vocalist of rare energy and power, able to cut through the layers of sound with his british-esque intonations and impressive range . Brandon Van Spall might just be the next art-rock guitar god, with the way he makes his licks whine and moan over the most frantic of backings. All in all, a highly recommended listening experience." - Pink Isis 'zine.
"Discourse" is a killer track, fired by swirling riffs a la Echo & the Bunnymen and Joy Division-ish brooding bass. Synthesizers swish around in that classic Batcave fashion as the vocals float like a phantom over a crisp, throbbing rhythm section. Outstanding. "My Francoise" recalls Love & Rockets with its mellow psychedelia, and the live cut "Still" trembles like the Cure's creepiest moments. Nine stars out of ten!"- in regards to the 'Twins e.p', -whisperinandhollerin.com
"Having no lyric sheets, band photographs, and mostly indecipherable lyrics, the Drown tap into the enigmatic side of New Wave. Just listen to the disorienting, ethereal guitars and spooky, whispered vocals on "Discourse." The title alone has the single-word Joy Division flavor, open to a number of interpretations, probably none of which the group intended."- Ink #19.
"This is the kind of record that stoned college-radio DJs used to thrown on between sets of R.E.M. and the Replacements during the ‘80s. It’s very European in sound, even more so than other post-punk disciples like Interpol and She Wants Revenge. But it’s more artistic as well, giving this group increased street credibility." - thewigfitsall.com
"On the verge of something big"- Pop Culture Press.
'Mars Import' released in 2004, mixed in NYC with acclaimed producer/engineer Mark Plati, who also co-wrote and co-produced Bowie's 'Earthling', among others, and has worked with The Cure, Prince, Arthur Baker, and mixed New Order, Joy Division, and other seminal acts.
'Twins e.p' and 'The Drown' released in 2005.
The big budget noir-esque video for 'Homage' was filmed by acclaimed filmmaker Amy Leonard and released in 2006.
'The Radio Sessions e.p' released in 2007. The Drown quietly disbanded in august, 2007.
Our prolific output has the same impressive continuity: our long-time and excellent engineer, Paul Janocha, and the aforementioned NYC legend and god of mixing, Mark Plati. Sometimes, the mysterious 'T' plays drums. Brandon & William produce everything. We knew you were curious.
The Drown has a growing and significant cult fan-base, album sales and radio airplay worldwide from Britain to Japan, and has been featured in notable music publications like Magnet, Pop Culture Press, CMJ and NME.
You can purchase The Drown's catalogue- to an extent - Here - or by download on iTunes.
I was an old waver from back in the day. I was always a fan of all the underground music from the 80's when music was truly underground. I never thought that I'd ever find music that touched me the way it did when I first started listening to bands like Joy Division, Psychadelic Furs, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Smiths, Pet Shop Boys and so much more. Thank you for giving me that same feeling about music I had during that special time in my life. Don't get me wrong I have found a lot of music I love between then and now, but I wanted you to know how talented you are. I hope that someday you reunite, but whether that day comes or not I can always enjoy the art you have already created. Much love.
hey what's happening around here? I'm liking to listen to your music. Did you once say Berlin? well I'm still chillin in the x east. maybe we'll see you around?
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