Local metal band Downfall was formed in 2004 when several other bands in the scene dissolved, creating opportunities for a new partnership.
After several lineups that never quite gelled, the current lineup was brought together in 2006: Dustin Curtis (vocals), Kurt Johnson (lead guitar and programming), Jason Lindorff (rhythm guitar), Mike Leaver (bass) and Yancy Turner (drums).
After a nearly three-year hiatus, the band was brought back together in February 2011, and is putting the finishing touches on its second album. You can catch the band with The Dreaming at Liquid Joe’s on July 15, with $10 tickets at the door.
Turner answered questions posed by The Tribune about the local scene, what makes his band special, and the best joke he’s heard lately:
What separates your band from other bands in the scene?
To me, what separates us from other bands is our song-writing. These songs, for the most part, really are a collaborative team effort. They generally start off as an idea or two that the rest of the guys all give opinions on, and — Boom — A new song is born. I’d also like to think that our live show helps. We don’t go overboard in the studio, layering track after track ... So what you hear on the CD, you hear at a live show. We are a high-energy band, and we bring that to the stage, night after night.
Describe the local metal scene.
The local metal scene in Salt Lake City is quite strong, and extremely diverse. I would put us right about the middle of the metal scene, on a scale of heaviness. There are a ton of good bands in the Salt Lake area.
What TV show can you NOT stop watching, and what does that say about you?
Personally, I cannot get enough of "The Big Bang Theory." I love to laugh, and this show doesn’t ever disappoint. I guess it could also say that deep down, I am a big nerd ... and I am OK with that.
How does your second album differ from your first album?
Upon the initial listen, listeners will notice a far more mature approach and sound to the second CD. But as you listen more, you will catch other subtle nuances to the music. The song-writing is more intricate. The lyrical content is much more personal. Individual influences of the band members show more on this new CD. Musically, the new stuff has driving rhythms, strong vocals and soaring lead guitars throughout the entire album.
Tell the best joke you’ve heard recently.
I am the joke teller of the band. Nothing makes me happier than making other people laugh. My personal favorite short joke is: What do you call a boomerang that doesn’t come back? A stick.
