Leaving Not Arriving

Rich Without Remorse

     

There's a blend to Downpilot's album Leaving Not Arriving that leaves one with the impression of melancholy, creating texture without the despairing overtones of many other artists. True offers vulnerability in a building crescendo, smoothly leading into Everyday Dream of the West, a more upbeat but sophisticated song with intentionally poignant guitar tones. There's a blend of rock, country and soul on nearly all the tracks, and it would be hard to position Downpilot in a particular genre, as their transitions between ballad and pop tones are smooth and clean.

Paul Hiraga's lyrics are engaging and are probably the biggest draw on the album, and his duet in High Water Mark pulls you in with a darker sense of presence. After seeing Hiraga at the Tractor Tavern in 2005, it wasn't clear whether Downpilot would produce another album -- here's to hoping for more material and a similar sound.