Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Downward is a band that thrives in the shadows of indie rock, crafting songs that feel as introspective as they are expansive. With their latest album, Downward (2), the band leans into their signature melancholic, atmospheric sound, delivering a collection of tracks that feel raw, immersive, and deeply personal.
There’s an understated beauty to Downward’s songwriting—each song unfolds slowly, building in emotion and intensity, while never feeling rushed or overproduced. The guitars are lush yet restrained, weaving intricate melodies that drift through reverb-soaked landscapes. The vocals, soft but deeply expressive, sit just above the mix, allowing the lyrics to seep in like memories resurfacing. Meanwhile, the rhythm section keeps everything grounded, creating a subtle but undeniable sense of movement, like the pull of an unseen current.
Downward (2) was recorded and engineered by Kendal Osborne at The Closet Studios, capturing the band’s organic, intimate sound with precision. The mixing and mastering, handled by Corey Coffman at Deep Down, bring a warmth and depth to the record, allowing each instrument to breathe while maintaining a cohesive, dreamlike quality. The result is an album that feels both deliberately crafted and effortlessly natural, as if the songs had always existed in some hazy, distant space, waiting to be found.
This album is for listeners who find comfort in the quiet moments, who appreciate the way music can express what words sometimes cannot. It’s a late-night listen, a soundtrack for introspection, a companion for long drives and rainy days. Fans of Turnover, Citizen, or Nothing will find plenty to love here, but Downward carves out a space all their own—somewhere between indie rock’s warmth and the weight of unspoken emotions.
