Engine Down

Engine Down formed in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in 1996 and over time transplanted their roots to Richmond, Virginia’s fertile ground. This band rose phoenix-like from the ashes of such powerful rock phenomena as Sleepytime Trio, The Weak Link Breaks, and Bughummer. The distinct personalities that make up Engine Down are no strangers to the white shores of emo credibility that are seen from their citadel: they’ve been bringing the rock for years.

From the first live appearance — at an indie murder mystery movie — to recent shows that sometimes feature a live cellist, Engine Down has truly come a long way. The band’s diverse instrumentation — including cello, piano, and vibraphone — shows that they are not afraid to push their sound to new limits. At the same time, they maintain a dynamic and intense energy by balancing churning guitars, powerful bass, and intricate drums.

Before any full-length, Engine Down released two seven-inch records on Lovitt and Brave Noise Records.

“Slingshot” and “Brushes” both come from Engine Down’s first full-length, Under the Pretense of Present Tense (1998, Lovitt Records). The melodic “Intent to Pacify,” from 2000’s To Bury Within the Sound (also on Lovitt), relies on restrained emotion and intricate instrumentation to achieve its full impact.