DONE LYING DOWN - JOHN AUSTIN RUTLEDGE

Listen Glistened
by Righ Ex

Jake: Having heard their second album, "Kontrapunkt" before their debut, I'd describe Done Lying Down as  "Britpop slathered with American Grunge (provided that while the band is English, their singer, Jack Plug, is American). Rather than looking like an overt mess, though, the band is all the more  appealing

While vibes of fun, lightheartedness and profanity are initially felt, many of these (18!) songs come off as more disciplined, leaking a distinct 90s ethic. I heard a definite post-hardcare influence on the song "!$%0X (Or Something)", reminiscent of Fugazi, following echoes of Sunny Day Real Estate on "If I Only Had Listened". At first, I said to myself, "Wow, this band actually tried making these songs serious, especially since it's their first album~" But then I noticed that they essentially traverse through silly and serious songs. Such twisted lo-fi, melodic mishmashes as "Too Fast" "Pasadina" and "Fun" will make you wonder if this band actually exists. In fact, they're still alive, today!...somewhat. So on that note, rock on and have a good laugh.

Ryan:  It is easy to be influenced by Grunge, Indie and Punk bands in the early 90s.  This band is from London and South East UK.  This is one of those bands that made two amazing albums.  Clearly underrated from my perspective. I clearly hear the 90s, along the pop-groove of Teenage Fanclub, Dig and Tripmaster Monkey, early emo but heavier, hints of Fugazi and Jesus Lizard overtones. Reminds me of the good struggling times where friends are all over.  Alternative and College Rock at its seams.  Really just heard and read about them recently, and this album is on point from beginning to end.  It's nice to hear and go back two decades in time.

"John Austin Rutledge" apparently was named after the frontman's friend (J. Parker) who co-wrote some of the songs, giving him credit and putting his photo on the album cover.  I'd say "Before She Changed" caught me smiling.  The sound unmistakably nineties might I say again.  Now, this has got me drooling for Kontrapunkt and all their EPs.  London Calling America.  It has its smooth and rough slides, moody.

Website:
www.donelyingdown.com
http://www.myspace.com/donelyingdown