Down by Law
Down by Law · 1991
35 min · 12 tracks · punk rock
Fast-paced punk rock anthems infused with a sense of youthful rebellion and introspective lyricism.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
American Dream — This track encapsulates the disillusionment of youth with its biting commentary on societal expectations, underscored by a driving rhythm and catchy chorus.
-
→
Vision — A standout for its anthemic quality, this song reflects the band's ability to blend personal struggle with broader cultural critiques, making it resonate with listeners.
-
→
Down the Drain — With its raw energy and straightforward lyrics, this track exemplifies the punk ethos of frustration and defiance, serving as a rallying cry for disaffected youth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Energetic punk sound with catchy hooks and introspective lyrics, though it doesn't stand out significantly in the genre.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a high-energy tempo with driving guitar riffs and fast drumming, establishing a consistent punk rock sound.
- Several songs feature dual vocal harmonies that create a sense of camaraderie and enhance the anthemic quality of the choruses.
- The album includes moments of introspection in the lyrics, particularly in tracks like 'American Dream' and 'Too Much Grey', which contrast with the upbeat instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short bursts of youthful energy
- cathartic release of frustration
- for group sing-alongs
- quick listens during commutes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- want slow, reflective music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1991, Down by Law's self-titled album marked their debut, introducing the band’s energetic sound to the punk rock scene. This album came after a period of lineup changes and established them as a significant contender in the early '90s punk revival.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Pennywise· NOFX· Bad Religion
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Right or Wrong 2:16
- 2 Vision 2:45
- 3 Dreams Away 4:01
- 4 Down the Drain 2:37
- 5 American Dream 2:37
- 6 The Truth 1:35
- 7 Best Friends 3:14
- 8 Mat Gleason Is God 4:36
- 9 The One 3:18
- 10 Can’t See It Still 1:43
- 11 Surf Punk 2:06
- 12 Too Much Grey 4:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.