The Downbeat 5

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Downbeat 5


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Background = group_or_band
Origin = Boston, Massachusetts
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Years_active = 1999–present
Label = Sympathy for the Record Industry, Abbey Lounge/Hi-n-Dry, Steel Cage,
Associated_acts = DMZ, The Odds, The Dents, John Sinclair
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Current_members = Jen D'Angora : Vocals, rhythm guitar
J. J. Rassler : Lead guitar, backing vocals
Mike Yocco : Bass guitar, backing vocals
Eric Almquist : Drums, backing vocals
Past_members = Dan McCarthy : Drums
Brad San Martin : Bass guitar

The Downbeat 5 (not to be confused with Tommy Pollard's Downbeat Five) is a Boston-based rock band started in 1999 by former DMZ guitarist J. J. Rassler and his then-wife, Jen, [ [http://www.steelcagerecords.com/catalog/scr061.html Steel Cage Records bio] ] (who originally used the stage name Ronny Rassler). [The Downbeat 5 quartet is havin' fun, Scott McLennan, "Telegram & Gazette", p.C5, May 2, 2000.] The band's music draws on 1960s girl group sounds, garage rock, and rougher-edged British Invasion bands like The Rolling Stones. [They Are Two Peas in a Musical Pod, Sarah Tomlinson, "The Boston Globe", p.9, September 16, 2001.]

In 2003, the band made it as far as the semi-finals of the 25th annual WBCN Rock & Roll Rumble. [The Dresden Dolls fight off ‘The Curse’, Brett Milano, "The Phoenix", May 30, 2003.] The following year, they placed in the finals of Little Steven's "Underground Garage" battle of the bands, [Konks KO competitors at band contest, Brett Milano, "Boston Herald", p.036, April 19, 2004.] with Little Steven remaining a strong supporter afterwards. [For multi-genre Downbeat, it's all rock 'n' roll, Jay N. Miller, "The Patriot Ledger", p.35, July 21, 2005.]

In early 2003, D'Angora started a second band with Michelle Paulhus (ex-Decals) called The Dents. [The Dents Bang Out Punk-Pop, Rebecca Ostriker, "The Boston Globe", D1, Jul 9, 2004.] The Dents have more of a pop-punk sound than The Downbeat 5, with D'Angora and Paulhus sharing the songwriting and lead vocal duties.

The band's most recent album, "Smoke and Mirrors" (released in early 2007), was recorded live in front of an audience in a recording studio.

Discography

Albums

* "'Ism" (2003, Sympathy for the Record Industry)
** review: Allmusic rating|4|5 [http://wm10.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:3pfuxqealdte link]
* "Victory Motel" (2005, Abbey Lounge/Hi-n-Dry)
**review: "The Patriot Ledger" (enthusiastic), July 21, 2005, p.35
**review: "Razorcake" (mixed) [http://www.razorcake.org/site/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=7657 link]
* "Smoke and Mirrors" (2007, Steel Cage)
**review: Sleazegrinder.com (positive) [http://www.sleazegrinder.com/reviewscapsulesJuly.htm link]

Compilation appearances

* "Gotham Garage" (2002, Enoch) (song: "Cryin' in the Night")
* "Return to the Scene of the Crime" (2002, Good Cop/Bad Cop) (song: "I Got It Bad")
* "Co-ed Rock n Roll Rumble" 7" EP (2004, Carbon 14) (song: "Dum Dum Ditty")
* "Crimson and Clover" (2004, Wildebeest) (song: "Mirage")

External links

* [http://www.downbeat5.com/ Official website]
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* [http://www.d-filed.com/downbeat5.html J. J. Rassler Interview]

References