Dave Smalley's previous experience with melodic punkers All serves him well on Down By Law's debut, which often incorporates tunefulness without sacrificing intensity; the vocal harmonies of "Dreams Away" and the dreamy delay effects of "Vision" don't undermine those songs, but make them a bit deeper and more dimensional. Unfortunately, those techniques aren't applied consistently throughout the album, resulting in a lack of cohesion; at times Down By Law sounds like one of the many Bad Religion clones ("The Truth"), while at others they sound like hard rock hacks ("American Dream"). But when Down By Law finds the right balance of aggression and melody, as on gems like the Descendents-esque "Best Friends," the band shows great potential. ~ Andy Hinds, All Music Guide
Brett Gurewitz (Producer), Chris Bagarozzi (Guitar), Jay B. (Vocals (Background)), Down by Law (Performer), Ed Urlik (Bass), Donnell Cameron (Vocals (Background)), Joy Aoki (Paintings), Norman Moore (Design), Dave Naz (Drums), Brett Gurewitz (Guitar), Dave Naz (Vocals), Chris Bagarozzi (Vocals (Background)), Dave Smalley (Guitar), Norman Moore (Art Direction), Dave Smalley (Vocals), Dave Naz (Vocals (Background)), Brett Gurewitz (Vocals (Background))
Down by Law is the eponymous debut album of the band Down by Law. Dave Smalley wrote words and music for all tracks except "The Truth" (words and music by Dave Nazworthy), "Surf Punk" (music by Ed Urlick), "The One" (words by Dave S. and Caroline M.), and "Best Friends" (words and music by The Outlets).
