As the release date of their third album draws near, the members of Downstream said the material they’re creating is even better equipped to compete on the airwaves.
Writing for radio wasn’t the local alt-metal band’s intent, but as work progresses on the as-yet-untitled project, drummer Wes Hartman said there has been a shift toward producing more compact, catchier songs.
“We’re writing shorter and sweeter and leaving the crowd and the fans wanting more,” he said. “It’s ridiculous how much it reminds me of stuff that could be on the radio.
“There are a lot of hits in there, and I feel like it’s just got to get in the right hands.”
Fans eager to hear Downstream’s latest can see the band tonight at Rhythm & Brews alongside Black Betty and Birmingham’s Dangerous New Machine. Hartman said the set will include at least four new tracks they recorded in Orlando, Fla., with producer Brett Hestla, formerly of Creed, now with Dark New Day.