Written By Eric Foreman
June 23, 2021
COURAGE MOTHER AND TWO THUMBS DOWN COMBINE RAGE, BEAUTY AND POWER INTO THEIR NEW SPLIT RELEASE, IMPOSTER SYNDROME
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On their new release Imposter Syndrome, Virginia band Courage Mother and DC/NYC group Two Thumbs Down channel power, beauty and rage into a combined 4 tracks, emerging with one of the most accomplished splits of the year.
Coming up in the local DC area scene, both Courage Mother and TTD formed around 2017/2018 and quickly began gigging in the DMV area and beyond. The bands met while traversing the local scene and quickly developed a friendship. A quick check to either of their Instagram pages will confirm that this kinship is still alive and well (Courage Mother vocalist Lily Monico even has a side project with TTD bassist/vocalist Lauren Porter entitled Pink Flag who released an EP last year). |
The youthful camaraderie built up between both groups is evident in the strength of this release. Much like the members themselves, each band has a unique sonic identity that complements the other. The release sees the two east coast bands riding in tandem exploring inner turmoil and outer stresses. Two Thumbs Down presents often light, melodic instrumental passages that hide witty, occasionally sardonic lyricism. Whereas Courage Mother drives with powerful, unrelenting instrumentals and vocals with more straightforward lyrics that pack a punch. The night and day aspect of these two bands is most evident and most thrilling when juxtaposed as neatly as this EP presents.
Two Thumbs Down kicks off the split with two breezy tracks that brim with lyrical intensity. First track “See You Later” begins with an infectious, surfer guitar riff ushering in a full band jam. Lead vocalist Austin Ryder’s melody during the verses in this track are sugary, reminiscent of early Los Campesinos. Midway through the track, bassist and vocalist Lauren Porter steals the show with a glimmering falsetto that floats over Ryder's lower register. The lyrics detail the frustration and confusion of life in young adulthood. Second track “The Rat King of Burke '' begins with an energetic acoustic intro with synths providing a twinkling melody. The song instrumentally belongs right alongside the best campfire/sleepaway camp singalongs. This highlights the innate melodic talent of Ryder’s writing. True to form, the lyrics paint a different picture. Unlike the inwardly directed dissatisfaction of “See You Later”, “Rat King '' aims outward – searing multifaceted systemic failures of the preceding generations. A relatable calling card to any young person who can see the irony of being called naïve by those who have come before and the exhaustion of attempting to make a life in the current socio political climate. The song explodes into a full band romp that concludes with a resending outro (“none of use have the keys to the ship/manifest destiny is bullshit/but you already know that '') reminiscent of their excellent 2019 EP Nothing To Write Home About.
Two Thumbs Down kicks off the split with two breezy tracks that brim with lyrical intensity. First track “See You Later” begins with an infectious, surfer guitar riff ushering in a full band jam. Lead vocalist Austin Ryder’s melody during the verses in this track are sugary, reminiscent of early Los Campesinos. Midway through the track, bassist and vocalist Lauren Porter steals the show with a glimmering falsetto that floats over Ryder's lower register. The lyrics detail the frustration and confusion of life in young adulthood. Second track “The Rat King of Burke '' begins with an energetic acoustic intro with synths providing a twinkling melody. The song instrumentally belongs right alongside the best campfire/sleepaway camp singalongs. This highlights the innate melodic talent of Ryder’s writing. True to form, the lyrics paint a different picture. Unlike the inwardly directed dissatisfaction of “See You Later”, “Rat King '' aims outward – searing multifaceted systemic failures of the preceding generations. A relatable calling card to any young person who can see the irony of being called naïve by those who have come before and the exhaustion of attempting to make a life in the current socio political climate. The song explodes into a full band romp that concludes with a resending outro (“none of use have the keys to the ship/manifest destiny is bullshit/but you already know that '') reminiscent of their excellent 2019 EP Nothing To Write Home About.
The Courage Mother side of the EP begins with a distorted, meandering guitar riff that crashes into a beautiful chaos. Whereas TTD tend to layer vocals neatly on top of the instrumentals, melodies on full display, first track “Deception for Betterment” sees the guitars, drums and vocals enveloping each other – each element clamoring towards the surface. Monico’s vocals, twisted and sour, get more encapsulating with each listen. The track speeds up and evens out with a frenzied attack by drummer Jen Watson on full display. Watson, who mixed and mastered the EP, not only steadies the rhythm of the group but adds an additional tier of mastery that demands attention. In line with “See You Later”, this track sees Monico looking inward. Full of disillusionment and withdrawal, the lyrics function to allow a peek into her inner monologue and emphasize the resentment and energy present in the instrumentals. The song seamlessly transitions to “In Memory Of…Woodbridge Circa 2017” filled with the kind of dissonance and emotion frequented in early post-hardcore. The song pushes and pushes until near the end with an exasperated outro.
With soundscapes so expansive and so energetic it is perhaps surprising that both bands on this release are trios. Each group is a triptych of talent, channeling their unique but supporting strengths to put forward a listen that begs and bears repeating. Although short, this release puts forth the internal discontent and outward discomfort present in the common young adult mind. Relatable as it is disconcerting, the message connects as it is encased in two young bands just beginning to hit their respective strides.
