The Downbeat 5

The Downbeat 5 (not to be confused with Tommy Pollard's Downbeat Five) is a Boston-based rock band started in 1999 by former DMZ guitarist J. J. Rassler and his then-wife, Jen,[1] (who originally used the stage name Ronny Rassler).[2] The band's music draws on 1960s girl group sounds, garage rock, and rougher-edged British Invasion bands like The Rolling Stones.[3]

The Downbeat 5
OriginBoston, Massachusetts
Years active1999–present
LabelsSympathy for the Record Industry, Abbey Lounge/Hi-n-Dry, Steel Cage
Associated actsDMZ, The Odds, The Dents, John Sinclair
MembersJen D'Angora : Vocals, rhythm guitar
J. J. Rassler : Lead guitar, backing vocals
Mike Yocco : Bass guitar, backing vocals
Dan Styklunas : Drums
Past membersDan McCarthy : Drums
Jeff Norcross : Drums, backing vocals
Brad San Martin : Bass guitar, backing vocals
Eric Almquist: Drums http://www.boston.com/blogs/yourtown/boston/dirty-old-boston/2013/09/will_it_ever_return_no_itll_never_return.html

In 2003, the band made it as far as the semi-finals of the 25th annual WBCN Rock & Roll Rumble.[4] The following year, they placed in the finals of Little Steven's Underground Garage battle of the bands,[5] with Little Steven remaining a strong supporter afterwards.[6]

In early 2003, D'Angora started a second band with Michelle Paulhus (ex-Decals) called The Dents.[7] The Dents have more of a pop-punk sound than The Downbeat 5, with D'Angora and Paulhus sharing the songwriting and lead vocal duties.

The band's most recent album, Smoke and Mirrors (released in early 2007), was recorded live in front of an audience in a recording studio.

Although not as active in recent years, the DB5 still perform from time to time, usually in the Boston area.

Discography

Albums

Compilation appearances
  • Gotham Garage (2002, Enoch) (song: "Cryin' in the Night")
  • Return to the Scene of the Crime (2002, Good Cop/Bad Cop) (song: "I Got It Bad")
  • Co-ed Rock n Roll Rumble 7" EP (2004, Carbon 14) (song: "Dum Dum Ditty")
  • Crimson and Clover (2004, Wildebeest) (song: "Mirage")

References
  1. Steel Cage Records bio
  2. The Downbeat 5 quartet is havin' fun, Scott McLennan, Telegram & Gazette, p.C5, May 2, 2000.
  3. They Are Two Peas in a Musical Pod, Sarah Tomlinson, The Boston Globe, p.9, September 16, 2001.
  4. Milano, Brett (May 30, 2003). "The Dresden Dolls fight off ′The Curse′". The Phoenix.
  5. Milano, Brett (April 19, 2004). "Konks KO competitors at band contest". Boston Herald. p. 36.
  6. For multi-genre Downbeat, it's all rock 'n' roll, Jay N. Miller, The Patriot Ledger, p.35, July 21, 2005.
  7. The Dents Bang Out Punk-Pop, Rebecca Ostriker, The Boston Globe, D1, Jul 9, 2004.


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