BeyondFused - ​Download Complete

BeyondFused

​Download Complete
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

If there ever was a party band I think BeyondFused would be the undisputed winner. The band comprised of Lowell Bartlett (guitar/saxophone/vocals), Ej Bolleter (bass/guitar/vocals), Patrick Gorman (drums/backup vocals) and Jose Miramontes (bass/backup vocals) make music you would want to hear at a house party on their album Download Complete.

It’s fun, reckless and doesn’t take itself too seriously. This music thrives in a live environment. The ska inspired jam sessions, which throw in elements of funk and rock will resonate with space hippies who like to zone out and catch a crunchy groove and anyone else who's got a good buzz on. They open with “Calle Contento” which reminded me of a little old band called Sublime. It’s upbeat, fairly predictable and a noteworthy breakdown.

The jubilant silliness starts with “Schoolgirl in Stockings.” He sings, “God Damn Here she comes again, looking attractive as hell Here she comes again, real clever and sly as well.” It’s on this song you realize the band can jam. There is some technical stuff in there that is quite impressive.

The back and forth vocal leads work out quite well on “Skankin' Crazy.” It’s a certified highlight and the timing transition works quite well on this song. “I'm Gonna Kick Your Ass ” is a song that will get you riled up in a Dropkick Murphys type of way. The song spews indignant anger and vitriol with lines like “Hey motherfucker, how you doing little punk I’m not happy to see you, cuz I’m really fucking drunk” and “Get out of my face, or you won’t see tomorrow I'm fixing to throw you down Mt. Kilimanjaro.”  The subject matter “Dancin' With the Devil (Jailbait)” is a bit creepy but I thoroughly enjoyed the  song while the closer “Get Fused (Get FUnKy)” is anthemic and sing along worthy.

Download Complete is a fun album from top to bottom that is best for when you want to let loose, not think and most likely bust groove. Musicians can take their music too seriously. Hence, it’s refreshing to hear a band that infuses levity and humor in their songs.

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