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Gods Reflex

When It's Down to This (2008)
self-released

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on April 1st 2008

With a breakup in 2003 and a reformation last year, it's been almost a decade since Gods Reflex's last album, and consequentially, a very tiny niche is very, very happy. But it's a niche that deserves a bit of expanding as proven by the record.

As much as vocalist/bassist Zach Newman might sing in an even more adolescent, raspy tone, When It's Down to This is completely absent of the Jawbreaker similarities that permeated 2000's Scenes from a Motel Seduction. Guitars are cleaner and noticeably refined from their previous distortion and jagged edges, while Newman sings with a sunnier disposition despite the occasionally bleak content of his lyrics. Granted, When It's Down to This certainly sounds like something that should've pre-dated the entire Gamits catalogue; however, this means it's largely a more original blend of influences that still manages to lightly harken to power-pop inflected, `90s Midwest emo.

When It Comes Down to This runs its course fluidly yet foggy, like a lost Smoking Popes album. Songs average four minutes apiece here (a full minute more than Motel Seduction's track mean), but Gods Reflex manage a vigor and flow that keeps them fairly gripping. The opening title track offers a sizeable hook, while Newman's delivery and diction on certain parts of the more reflective "Catholic Girls" is curiously creative. From about the :30 to :40 mark in the harmony-laced, energetic picker-upper "These Hands Are Strong Hands," he even sounds identical to Davey von Bohlen circa his early Maritime days. The earnest soul search of closer "These Lights Are a Fire Hazard" makes it a late standout, as well.

When It's Down to This doesn't seem like it'll match up to its predecessor, which nearly put them in the same class as Texas Is the Reason, the Promise Ring and Jawbreaker. However, considering how long the band's been MIA, it's undoubtedly a well-rounded and enjoyable effort and not to be missed by devotees of a style that's sorely lacking in the `00s.

STREAM
When It's Down to This [downloadable]
A Chance in a Disaster

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jay200 (October 30, 2009)

What an amazing album. I just wish more people could share in the joy of listening to this release. Maybe if they would have released it on a label, it would have gotten more attention.

Their myspace page now says the band has broken up yet again. Their reunion gave us this beautiful album. I just wish the reunion would have given us more than 2 or 3 shows. I also wish more people would have picked up on how great this band is. Easily some of the best music I've ever heard.

maverick (April 2, 2008)

I'm so immensely happy to have this band back in the world. This record is beautiful. "A Chance In A Disaster"'s lyrics are chilling to me; the way Zach addresses his feelings on God (or the absence thereof) in his life is just incredible.

Everyone should check this record out. Seriously, everyone.

-Scott

pinkbubblesgoape (April 1, 2008)

a great album by a great band, who i missed a lot.

i love these lines from "i never claimed"

"if i painted you an upside down cross
and sang about the bottle
do you think you'd love me more?"