Photo by Miguel Rosario
The operative word in Cost Of Living–the third album from Providence, Rhode Island band Downtown Boys–is “living.” Their punk rock is headstrong and righteous, addressing income inequality, immigration rights, and queer issues but with a we’re-not-gonna-take-this mantra hovering like guitar feedback. Sheer determination will get you far, and so will songs this sharp and exciting.
Produced by Guy Picciotto–part of the punk chain that leads back to Fugazi and Rites Of Spring–Cost Of Living focuses on Downtown Boys’ live power, especially singer Victoria Diaz’s tornado of a voice. “Well it shook me / But I won’t lay down,” she howls on “Lips That Bite.” It’s a backed-into-a-corner anthem, and Downtown Boys are finding a way out.
“Lips That Bite” appears on Cost Of Living, out now via Sub Pop. Downtown Boys play Hotel Vegas on Sunday, September 10.
–Art Levy // host, Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., producer, My KUTX
