Takedown - "'62 Fashion" (Major Label Records)

Album review by George Schultz

The “Weezer” influence has struck once again, leaving their victims, “Takedown,” begging for the bubblegum pop-rock sound. “Takedown” has just released their debut album “'62 Fashion.” These guys don’t bother attempting to inject any sort of social criticism into their songs. They seem to want nothing more than to hammer out sappy love ballads that echo the sound of pop-punk sell-outs “Blink-182.” The brunt of the songs’ lyrical content involves some sort of young dame, with the left over tracks reminding listeners of the necessity of high fashion. Yet, “Takedown” seems to enjoy what they’re doing which is quite a breath of fresh air from other mainstream power-pop combos.

“Takedown” is a trio from the Olathe area that has been together since 1998, and has been playing locally for the past year or so. Two of “Takedown’s” members are brothers and had apparently been playing together for some time before they eventually found a drummer.

Imagine a combination between the “Beach Boys” with a distortion pedal, and the newer releases from pop-punk legends “The Queers” and you might have duplicated the sound of “Takedown.”

One previous reviewer of “Takedown’s” release asserts that the band is unlike other pop bands due to the “aggression and conviction” that they exhibit in their music. Had the aforementioned reviewer even listened to the “Takedown” release? Obviously not. This assessment couldn’t have been farther from the truth. “Takedown” is far from anything resembling “aggressive.” As for “conviction,” the series of droopy love ballads defeats any possibility that “Takedown” possesses “conviction.” This is not to say that a lack of conviction or aggression is a bad thing. It just means that “Takedown” seems to have no qualms about the sound they produce. Obviously, they enjoy playing catchy pop songs, and they seem to make no bones about it. The lyrical content is far from anything that could be considered “aggressive” and this is exactly what makes them so much fun. They apparently want nothing more then to have a good time. In fact, it doesn’t seem possible that anyone listening to “Takedown” could actually become “aggressive” after being sedated by the happy-go-lucky melodies of “Takedown.” These guys are so poppy they make euro-pop stars “Oasis” sound like the metal-monsters “Slayer.”

But, one thing “Takedown” does offer is nothing but love. So, do not feel threatened by the previous reviewer’s comments.

According to the band, the title “Takedown” came from two of the member’s background in wrestling. This may be the only trace of “aggressiveness” exhibited by the band. Otherwise you wouldn’t imagine that these guys are your run-of-the-mill suburbanites that happened to get caught up in the youth sub-culture of music. In fact, their first drummer was a certified PGA golf pro. Classical music might be the first thought that comes to your mind when you think of “golf pro” but the times appear to be changing and soon enough “Blink-182” could be touring with the PGA legends. Nevertheless, members of “Takedown” shared a love for music throughout their high school years and it was only a matter of time before they came together as “Takedown.”

Chad Stewart plays bass, piano, and lead vocals. Brett Stewart plays guitar and offers back-up vocals. Pat Brede plays the drums, piano and also offers backing vocals.

The band is currently booking a tour for the summer and fall at mainly “college-type venues.” They are also playing an upcoming benefit show for the American Diabetes Association at Danny’s Bar and Grill, however the show is tentative. For more information on “Takedown” go to www.majorlabelrecords.com.

--George Schultz