More Purple Riffs
In the wake of the release of this second Down EP in recent years, it comes with a proclamation from Anselmo himself that in future he doesn't really see anymore album releases, preferring to stick with the shorter EP format. Whatever your view is of that, there is no denying that by injecting short bursts of Down in the way they currently are, leaves you with a thirst for more, and desperate to reach for their entire back catalogue to get your fix of the riff. Much like the first of this set, this EP fails to grab you straight away, much like NOLA or Down III did in the past, but after a few listens, and engrossing yourself more and more, you begin to appreciate some of the killer little intricacies on offer.
Opening track Steeple has an absolutely menacing intro, with these slow angry chugging riffs, before throwing into a much higher tempo. From the off it is clear Anselmo's vocals are not as harsh as on previous offerings. He's perhaps looked to alter his style to try something different, but he just sounds a bit bored, especially in comparison to his recent excellent solo project. This track would sit very well as an opener live. Pepper Keenan's guitar work on this tune is magic, flinging himself into thrash style riffs amongst all the doom. Next up We Knew Him Well has an absolutely classic Down feel, with the riffs actually very similar to those heard on Bury Me In Smoke.
As the EP rolls on, the signature Down sound stays at the forefront, but there is this feel that they've tried to bring something a bit different to the table with some of the tracks. Conjure sounds like it could be a Black Sabbath track, as the band take you on an eight minute trip filled with Doom and Bluesy riffs. Perhaps a slight gripe with the EP is the fact that whilst these are great Down tracks, it doesn't have the same edge as some of their earlier material. There isn't really going to be anyone who answers with IV – Part II when asked what their favourite Down record is. Perhaps the most intriguing thing on the horizon for Down will be when you are able to align the IV EP's and take in all of the consistent themes. As a body of work altogether it may alter your perception. This was a common view post the release of Part I and is still relevant now.