Downtown Singapore, Understanding a Guarantee

On Understanding a Guarantee, Maryland’s Downtown Singapore crosses the crunching guitars and pop sensibilities of the Foo Fighters with the emotional, thoughtful lyrics of Death Cab For Cutie. The result is an impressive six songs that sounds similar to many bands of the same genre but that rises above the rest with its positivity and outstanding music. “We’re so obvious / We’re so cool,” lead singer Jerry Scott sings on “The Month Of May,” which proves the young band has their tongue firmly in cheek. Their decision to include a cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” at first may seem like an odd choice, but a lot of emo bands today lack Downtown Singapore’s sense of humor — and they could’ve picked a lot worse.

“Love Gift” maintains the band’s positive message (“We can take the long way home / We can do what we want / We’ve got the guarantee / We are on our way home”), but still breaks down into Metallica-like riffs and double-bass beats. Ultimately, Understanding a Guarantee won’t leave your mind for weeks — the songs stick with you long after you’ve stopped listening. You’ll revisit it many times, which is a very good thing.