DOWNSIDE: sleep

downside

sleep

© 2001 downside (656613207222)

CD permanently out of stock. Sorry!

DOWNSIDE IS NOW KNOWN AS STRATA (stratadirect.com) NEW LIMITED EDITION EP AVAIALABLE NOW.... Passionate lyrics and massive musical presence, downside is heavy and BEAUTIFUL.

tracks

1 sleep
2 recover
3 die together
4 off axis (colour.)
5 medicinal
6 *
7 wearing and tearing
8 sapphire
9 in soma

notes

* * * THIS TITLE IS NOW OUT OF PRINT * * *
DOWNSIDE IS NOW KNOWN AS STRATA!
WWW.STRATADIRECT.COM >>> NEW LIMITED EDITION EP NOW AVAILABLE

DOWNSIDE's first CD has inspired and influenced many bands in the SF bay area and throughout the world, through the internet since the release of "SLEEP" ... With such a broad spectrum of emotions being showcased on one album, who can blame new bands for heading in the same beautiful direction?

Visit WWW.STRATADIRECT.COM frequently for updates and great photos, live performance video clips,merchandise, MP3s and tour information!

reviews

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  • track it down ... buy it....fall in love with it
    author: rich dawes

    my favorite album of all time !!!! period

  • author: derek

    help i neeeeed this cd email on where i can get it...defcrap96@msn.com

  • author: CD Baby

    "Art-metal" - the emotional raunch of bands like Tool and the Deftones and the vulnerability of bands like Radiohead and Sigur Ros. Totally creative, and completely honest, it is a first of its kind, in a genre all its own. It can be a little creepy at times, but it keeps the listener engaged with the complexity of both the feelings involved and attention-grabbing songwriting.

  • Strata rocks!
    author: Virginia

    If you love Sleep, then you will love their demo coming out soon. They are incredible guys and it's great to see someone from the bay area succeeding. Catch them on tour with Dredg!

  • Addicting for the ears
    author: Max Thompson

    This cd is worth the hype I've heard it recieve.Downside(now known as Strata) has a very original sound that stays in your head,making you want to listen to Sleep more and more.It sounds rad as hell,as they do live,and I'd recomend this to anybody who likes tool,radiohead,trapt,or any metal rock band.

  • this band is going to be HUGE!
    author: pat murphy

    I CANT WAIT TILL DOWNSIDE PUTS OUT A NEW CD! sleep is amazing!

  • Powerful emotional rock pours through speakers
    author: krycis

    I was skeptical when I read all the reviews on CDBaby, but after listening to Sleep I'm a believer. Edgy guitars, tight rhytms and rich, passionate vocals make Downside's offering a pleasure to listen to. Akin to a slightly less esoteric and more rock laden Deftones' White Pony, this album will satisfy anyone that likes the hard rock genre.

  • night at the downside
    author: eddy

    keep the local music alive! tempo beats move my soul as if i was free falling. love the cd!!! if you like dredge you'll love these guys!

  • author: m0ndaddy

    THis cd is great. I love the Die Together song. its a solid cd from beginning to end.

  • Good Band both live and on CD
    author: Wesley

    Downside's "Sleep" is a great CD and great first album from this band. I loved them so much live, I decided to buy their CD and I'm not disappointed.

  • Fantastic!!
    author: Declan McLaughlin

    What a wonderful CD, absolutly smashing stuff. Took a while to actually find someplace where I could purchase it, but when I did I was not disappointed. Great stuff for anyone who likes their music with a bit of "oomph" along with lyrics to make your heart bleed. Highly recommended. Cant wait for the new release in the spring time now, it is something to look forward to.

  • EMOTION
    author: rai_grottpojken

    DOWNSISDE ROCKS!!! I downloaded the track sleep on the net one day and it really kicked ass... Then I started to search for the album but I couldn´t find it anywhere... until I find their website and the link to cdbaby... I got the cd now and I´ts spinnging... o´yeah! Another five stars to cdbaby who manage to send the cd over the Atlantic to northern europe, Sweden in five days... The super-service you provide will make me come back againg and again... LOOKING FORWARD TO DOWNSIDES NEXT ALBUM... No Doubts! ONE OF THE BEST BANDS I`VE EVER HEARD!!!

  • OH MY GOD!!!
    author: Brian Baudoin

    GEEZUM!! Why aren't these guys huge yet? This CD is unbeleivable!! Definitely one of the best!!!

  • this band is more then just a band, they are gods!!!!
    author: THE FAM

    this band has been a great influince to all. these songs will live on for years and years to come. emotion is the name of this band, and it burns down anything wanting to be like it. sleep gives you something to start your day with. great...great work.

  • how the hell is this band unsigned?
    author: jesse crane

    this CD is a wonderfully solid piece of art. i understand that it isn't 'puddle of mudd' or whatever, but people need to hear it! it hasn't left me CD player rotation in a year or so and i cant wait for the new stuff from downside.

  • One of the greatest CD out there
    author: Craig Meikle

    This CD is awesome, it has melody, rock, great lyrics, and intensity. I love this CD, especially Die Together and Wearing and Tearing, those ones are the best.

  • This cd is powerful and can't stop listing to it!!
    author: Rudy "pSyKo" Rodriguez

    This cd is powerful and is amazing. Good to hear music that means something.

  • Space-Rock Masterpiece
    author: Dancing Ophelia

    Very unique, by turns dark & sexy and ethereal. Better than trendy or catchy, this is one CD that's a timeless work of art. Truly a joy to listen to!

  • one of the best CD I've heard in a long time! awesome!
    author: Evan Dickinson

    my friend first told me about downside and I thought they were going to be some nu-metal band, thats going to fade away in a few years, but I bought the CD and I was utterly amazed, these guys have talent, TONS of it, all the songs are wonderful blah blah blah, any thing I say will be redundent and unoriginal, Just get their CD and see for yourself. best track: die togeather

  • Downside's Sleep
    author: Bailey

    I'm a proud to be from the same area as these guys. They are hard workers and deserve all the best. No one has there sound and no one touches us so deep. Sleep is one of the greatest CD's I own...

  • Metal rubbed raw, experimented upon, and then embattled with harmonies and polis
    author: Pamela Rooney

    From sweeping chords right down through the part-upon-part-upon-part vocals, these four guys roll their emotional wheels through torrents of linear distortion and percussion to a pay-off of quite dynamic hard rock. Their music swells in and out anger and regret, lifting itself into a sonic standard that’s maintained throughout the record. Some influences are easily picked out, but others are craftily shrouded under in the songwriting and intent of the record. There are highs, lows, fast points, slow points, and close attention is paid to keeping the music fluctuating and interesting. The record is fantastic, and will serve for metal-heads and indie-kids alike.

  • One of the best
    author: Tristan

    Its just that good. Ive heard many local san jose bands, but none like this. Melodic melodies and heart crushing vocals, and their creativity is outstanding. If you like the cd you'll need to see them live.

  • downside is ear candy
    author: barbie

    this cd is amazing, as is the band. great people, great music. great live performance, great...well.. everything! 'sleep' is like a greatest hits cd for all their demos. i garuntee that this cd wont put you to sleep out of boredom, but maybe make you think a little more. and listen close to the instumental techniques they use. itll blow you away. downside... because you cant stop the engines.

  • This CD rocks.
    author: Pogi

    I borrowed this cd from my friend, and instantly I was hooked. Downside is now my favorite band. If you want something new, check out downside.

  • GREAT.....
    author: lauren

    ok.. The cd is great and if you really think about what it sounds like it sounds like something that should be thundering from the within the walls of an ancient cathedral w/o all the ungodliness that surrounds religion today. (In a good way) So, yeah!

  • I like very good is music
    author: Yat N Hat

    I like to play cd much very. The song Sleep make me feel very thoughtful. I want see Downside, near me. Thank you for listen good music.

  • a very dramatic album that is incredible
    author: Shapp

    this cd is incredible! i was skepticle when i first heard them but i have been convinced, downside is one of the best bands that i have heard in a really long time and SLEEP NOISE is one of the best albums of all time! the melody of the vocals, the crush of the guitars, the pound of the bass, and the bang of the drums combine perfectly to make this album a 5 star winner. i recommend this album for anyone that is fans of the likes of TOOL, DREDGE, or CHEVELLE. so dont hesitate, pick SLEEP NOISE up now! it wont last forever.

  • Downside
    author: Lindsay Weisberg

    downside's cd 'sleep' is the most amazing thing i have heard in a long time, with eric's amazing vocals and the rest of the band, they are bound to become a big hit!

  • It's been said before...
    author: Claudia

    I picked up on downside just recently, and they impressed me enough to order the CD. Familiar, but different, and absolutely fantastic, this album is just a taste of the wonderful things this band has to offer, and is worthy of those five red stars!

  • 2 words...
    author: Jason Pop

    beautifully artistic, and masterpiece, make that 3 words(and 5 stars.)

  • Keep your Ears open : These guys rule
    author: Cody Kniffen

    The band 'Downside' has recently been brought to my attention. Looking for a straight forward rock band with none of the bull and corporate nonsense that seems so ever popular with new music? Well then 'Downside' is the band for you. The album titled 'Sleep' is a 9 track EP that draws you in from the very beginning and just won't let go. It's simply an outstanding effort from a band will insane amounts of potential. Can't wait for the debut LP guys, keep up the great work. This cd will be sure to please the ear of the beholder.

  • sleep is a great CD
    author: Crash Fantastic

    'sleep' is one of those albums that you can't listen to enough. It flows from one song to the next like no album by an unsigned band that I've ever heard, for being self produced, this is such an excellent peice of work. Highlights are "sleep" "in Soma" and "off axis colour" . . .definately wanna pick this one up.

  • Sweet!!!
    author: Tara Hornbeck

    This is a GREAT cd I just cant get the songs outta my head!!I love it!!!

  • downside is amazing
    author: Dynamic Rock

    Originated in 1999, the South Bay Area outfit Downside led by Eric Victorino & Ryan Hernandez completed their lineup in 2000 with the addition of Hrag Chanchanian and Patrick Spain. Later that year, the quartet released their first recording, a 4-song demo titled For Testing Purposes (V1.0). Returning to the studio in 2001, Downside released a limited edition 2-song promo-disc sampler in Falling Asleep, followed by the 2-song promo-disc sampler Breather that preceded the release of their stunning 9-track full-length debut album, Sleep -released in May 2001. Drawing inspiration from a wide variety of musical influences as well as a need to release their inner emotions and creativity, Downside has crafted a unique soundscape that combines modern rock elements of Radiohead with the progressive metal influences of Tool. Akin to their aforementioned contemporaries, Downside takes an artistic approach to their music, fashioning intricately woven tapestries of textured riffs, melodies, & effects, which is layered over a progressive rhythm section. This haunting, yet appealing kaleidoscope utilizes various tempo shifts, breakdowns, and harmonics to convey a number of moods & emotions that range between dark & melancholic to vibrant & aggressive. In the end, as a result of the group’s clever songwriting, passionate musicianship, and deft execution, Downside has composed a sonic experience that challenges the mind and feeds on the soul. Providing the narrative to Downside’s atmospheric landscape are the ethereal vocals and passionate emotion of frontman Eric Victorino. Possessing a raw sound & style that is comparable to Tool, A Perfect Circle or Dredg, Eric utilizes clean harmonies and seething aggression to convey his ambiguous lyrics with heartfelt intensity. While it is this vulnerability and undeniable conviction that dominates his presence, Eric easily possesses the capacity to evolve & mature into a commanding & prominent frontman. Containing 9 tracks, Sleep is like a documentary album, featuring material that has been written over the years, including two songs off of their initial demo, For Testing Purposes (V1.0). Although the two tracks, Sapphire and Die Together have been remixed & remastered, they still powerfully represent the passion & intensity of the band, led by the strident rock anthems & guitar solos of the memorable Die Together, and the vibrant energy of Sapphire. Of the new material, the title track Sleep instantly embraces the listener with its stunning melodies, heart-wrenching vocals, powerful climax and unforgettable atmospheric presence. Continuing the group’s haunting & melancholic ambiance is Recover, which is driven by soaring choruses & melodramatic harmonies while In Soma ends the album with its surreal melodies, touching vocals, and dark, yet, vivid serenity. Other notable tracks include the vigorous riffs & urgent vocals of Off Axis (Colour), the hypnotic intricacies & contrasts of Medicinal, and the appealing energy & intensity of the rock-driven Wearing & Tearing. In the end, Sleep effortlessly captures Downside’s growth as a band, with songs that are skillfully written & implemented with talented musicianship, while possessing an addictive quality that borders on the edge of avant-garde. For a band that is so young, Downside showcases tremendous maturity that is complemented by their heartfelt passion, artistic creativity, and blossoming musical abilities. Located in a music scene that is rife with talent & potential, Downside stands apart from their peers with a sound that is both thought-provoking and compelling. Given time to flourish, Downside will rise above their contemporaries to set new standards in the genre of Rock… Final Score: 8.5 out of 10

  • "YOU CAN'T STOP THE ENGINE"
    author: Jen-theclownsicle

    More than just your average unsigned local band, San Jose, California's DOWNSIDE is young, talented and professional. True passion for their music, loyal and supportive friends, and an ever-growing fanbase is what keeps these four boys on top of the Silicon Valley music scene. 'SLEEP' their first self-released full legth effort has successfully captured the essence of DOWNSIDE's being. This album is merely a preview of what this band has to offer. Keep your eyes and ears wide open because DOWNSIDE is one up-and-coming act you do NOT want to miss out on. Be sure to catch a show in a city near you as their live set is nothing short of amazing. Buy this CD and spread the word-there is NO stopping this engine!

  • Breaking new ground...
    author: D.j.

    Incredible, ground breaking, and astonishingly original. I suggest to anyone who is interested in GOOD music to pick this album up...you will NOT be disappointed.

  • SLEEP is an amazing cd
    author: Blondwithiq

    buy this cd, and it will be in your cd player forever. garuntee. it rocks.

  • downside "sleep"
    author: Kelley

    i bought this cd at the cd release party last year, and i listen to it daily. its great, i love it, i am listening to it right now. downside is one of my favorite bands and if you buy the cd, i promise you wont be dissapointed. its great. www.downside.net

  • this band has what it takes, no questions asked.
    author: Sarah Aka Bottlecap

    sleep is one of those cds that you just cant enough of, I love everyone of the songs on the cd, these guys have something going for them, and I know that they have what it takes to make it big, your all awesome artist and great friends, everyone should check out this cd, believe me its worth it =)

  • Wow... this CD is a benchmark for all other artists out there!
    author: Vignesh Ram

    I picked up the CD at a show they played at the Gaslighter in Campbell and WOW, I am completely astonished. Their sound is like no other, while drawing comparisons to everything. Ryan's guitar work closely parallels the style of the Deftones while the groove is completely different. Eric's voice is something like no other. Everyone should pick up this CD and their new one once it's released!

  • SLEEP is outstanding and unique
    author: Paul Fuller

    within the first seconds of downside's latest CD "sleep" I knew I was in for a sonic treat. The album's title track is so rich in emotional power and energy, you'll want to skip back to the beginning of it and listen to it over and over again, BUT DON'T!!! The rest of the CD is just as brilliant! By the time the last song (in soma) comes to it's gutwrenching end I found myself emotionally exhausted (in a good way) and ready for another spin... Downside's "sleep" has not left my CD player since I bought it over a month ago.

  • SLEEP IS A GREAT RECORD
    author: Charlie Korn

    this was a real excellent CD by downside. my favorite tracks are 'sleep' 'recover' and 'in soma'. if you like the deftones, you'll love downside.

  • I LOVE THIS BAND!
    author: Stacey Younger

    I have never heard a CD this good by an unsigned band! Each song is uniquely incredible. Everyone in downside plays their parts perfectly and I haven't heard a singer this good on mainstream radio in years and years. These guys are definately going places. Everyone should buy this CD! Oh, and their website is also awesome:)

  • "Sleep" is an emotional track changer and a winner without a doubt.
    author: Powerslave.com Mario Perotti

    The South Bay heavy melody driven sound of Downside has put forth their newest recorded effort, a full length, nine track disc which includes two reprised tracks from their initial EP "For Testing Purposes v.1". Featuring guitarist Ryan Hernandez, drummer Patrick Spain, bassist Hrag Chanchanian, and vocalist Eric Victorino, Downside has produced a very strong effort, which is both well recorded and well executed, blending their trademark depressed overall vibe with some heavy guitar work intertwined with cleaner, serene sections. "Sleep" is an emotional track changer and a winner without a doubt. Of the nine tracks, several tunes jump out as forerunners with the two holdover songs "Die Together" and "Sapphire" still standing as some of the stronger work this band has recorded. Also included as highlights are the opening and title track which opens slowly and ends with a strong flourish, "Medicinal", which is easily one of the top flight songs existing on this recording, moves into a windy guitar riff that dominates the song and catches the first listen well, and "Wearing and Tearing" which offers some of Hernandez's strongest guitar work as it blends Victorino's vocals well. This disc is just simply done very well, using a somewhat radio friendly format but sticking to their own flavor with heavier edged, sometimes quick moving guitars all set to the mood driven vocal work of Victorino who continually matures into his own style, as evident in the overall progression from the initial recorded effort. With a solid rhythm sound with Spain and Chanchanian, Downside has put together one of the strongest, heavier, straight from the gut recorded efforts this year for sure. Definitely recommeded as this disc provokes that mental insight once it spins. Impressive.

  • there is no downside to downside
    author: Lane G

    downside's power and raw emotion shine through even their more mellow songs and arrangements. There is always a type of tension seeting inside and waiting to pounce out in the form of a huge swelling guitar driven chorus along with amazing drum work... Vocally unique and impressive, I give downside 4 stars!

  • South Bay band poised to jump to big time
    author: Silicon Valley Metro Newspaper (by Sarah Quelland)

    AN INCREASINGLY VISIBLE presence on the South Bay scene, downside shows some of the potential to become one of the next major groups from this area. On its debut album, Sleep, powerful vocals, passionate lyrics and gut-wrenching melodies give this professional outfit the accessibility of bands like Creed and the intensity of bands like Tool. Frontman Eric Victorino is a gifted singer who brings both emotion and confidence to the band's striking original material. Young but skilled musicians round out the lineup, including Ryan Hernandez on guitar, Hrag Chanchanian on bass and Patrick Spain on drums. Intricate song structures and interesting effects give the band a distinctive, cohesive sound, while desperate lyrics like "I wish I could wash this all away/Dragging you across my wrists" ("Sleep") bring out a deeper dynamic. Highlights off Sleep include "Off Axis (Colour)," "Medicinal" and "In Soma."

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