"demolition"

by dan brown, good times magazine, 07.01.04

Portland trio NOW is NOW have released a powerful disc matching soul-searching lyrics with irresistible melodies that will undoubtedly establish the band as a legitimate force on the East Coast music scene.

The record wasted no time in setting a heavy rock/pop pace with "better day," an uplifting bouncy tune about redemption and making a brand new start; "turn around I know you'll be okay - shadows of the past will fade away." The message is very much a positive vibe as singer/songwriter mitch alden assures us that it's never too late to cleanse yourself of yesterday's sins and start over from where you stand. In "walk the line," the writer asks that we "break out that spirit in your life" and "be thankful for that sunshine." This is followed by "watch the world," where mitch suggests that we "watch the world go by, start your life now, yesterday, tomorrow, what are you waiting for?"

The sound behind the message is pop, but calls upon an interesting mix of influences. "better day" seems to reach back to the bright new wave sounds of The Cars and Split Enz, while "painbox" lays down the kind of dance your ass off groove that can be found in some of Dave Matthews' strongest shakers. WHile Alden's voice compliments the lyrics well, drummer Neil Carroll and bassist Dan Paul build a solid foundation of a rhythm section.

'Days of Summer' is loaded down with strong radio-friendly sounds and a message, and that message is that NOW is NOW have arrived!

Visit the band's website to get your hands on this disc and find out all you want to know about the band.

Dan Brown is a Freelance writer for good times magazine.