Despite some fairly impressive wholly-independent releases, Mr. Downstairs were a band who never really became all that well-known outside of their native region. The term 'were' is used in this instance as this is the group's swan song, a final gift to their fans that was put together and released when the band already had full knowledge that they were set to go their separate ways afterwards.

While working on an album under such conditions may have weighed on their minds, the bands melodic blend of groove-driven hard rock generally retains its energy on this release. Consistently pushing forth with an edgy sound that relies on its stout bass lines and crisp drumming to lay down a punchy tempo, the songs included here seem quite direct and raw. Thus, the sullen yet introspective vocals and buzzing riffing/harmonic strums that make up the sonic aspect conversely work both with and against their rhythm section counterparts. This friction gives the band their charm though as there is often some sparks flying before all the members unite in grandiose moments of ascendance and meandering lows.

Ultimately their contrasting mechanics may now bring to mind a moodier, less packaged version of bands like Chevelle or Trapt, but the emotion they invest within is much more palatable. It's a shame though that most of the material sounds a bit rushed and rough around the edges. Of course this is understandable as the band weren't exactly hinging their lives on the recording. But there are numerous areas where some more development could have greatly benefited the material. As it stands though, it's still a fitting final release for a band that may have never made it to the top of the mountain - but at least made it up to the top of the stairs.