San Diego Reader

Ben Ripani: Guitar (acoustic), Guitar (electric), Keyboards, Vocals | Frank Green: Guitar (acoustic), Guitar (electric), Keyboards, Vocals | Justin Bryant: Bass guitar, Vocals | Nas Helewa: Drums, Vocals

Genre: Alternative, Rock

Sound description: Surprisingly mod-sounding alt-rock.

RIYL: The Pixies

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Synoposis

Influences: Dave Matthews, the Wallflowers, the Pixies, Neil Young, Elvis Costello

Background:

Down with Leo released their self-titled first EP in 2007. The band has combined rhythms from Manchester, vocals from Dave Matthews, and a Pixies/Elvis Costello sensibility. Songs on this EP range from hand-clapping piano pop to moody, progressive alt-rock.

Their tempo is slow without dragging. There really aren't any solos, only breaks in the vocals that act as cooling-off periods. Down with Leo has perfected pace changes and sophisticated compositions to make every song interesting. Lyrically, each track tells a story, and the narrative is revealed as the song builds.

In 2008, Down With Leo split. Frank Green (lead guitar/vocals) formed Gray Ghosts, with members of the Kite Flying Society, the Ex-Friends, and the Bloody Hollies.