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Down and Out (Tantric song)

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"Down and Out"
Single by Tantric
from the album The End Begins
ReleasedFebruary 19, 2008
Recorded2007
StudioThe Blue Room
GenreAlternative rock, post-grunge, hard rock, folk rock
Length3:39
LabelSilent Majority Group
Songwriter(s)Hugo Ferreira, Erik Leonhardt, Kevin Miller, Joe Pessia, Marcus Ratzenboeck
Producer(s)Toby Wright
Tantric singles chronology
"After We Go"
(2004) 		"Down and Out"
(2008) 		"The One"
(2008)
Music video
"Down and Out" on YouTube

"Down and Out" is a song written and recorded by the American rock band, Tantric. The song was released on February 19, 2008 as the lead single from their third studio album titled The End Begins. "Down and Out" was the first new release without the founding members Todd Whitener, Jesse Vest, and Matt Taul after their departures from the band leaving singer Hugo Ferreira as the band's only original member.[1][2][3] The song was also the first release on their new record label "Silent Majority Group" after parting ways with their first label Maverick Records in March of 2006.[4]

Background and release

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"Down and Out" marked Tantric's first new release since a series of significant lineup changes that left lead singer Hugo Ferreira as the only remaining founding member,[5] and the first release on the band's new label, Silent Majority Group.[6] The band's restructuring began in 2005 when original bassist Jesse Vest departed to focus on family life and was replaced by Bruce LaFrance.[7] Meanwhile, the band faced further instability when drummer Matt Taul was arrested on drug charges in early 2007 and sentenced to prison, leaving him unable to tour or record.[8][9]

The final blow to the band's original lineup came on May 8, 2007, after guitarist Todd Whitener announced his departure in a farewell statement posted on the band's official website. Whitener cited artistic stagnation, frustrations over the band’s declining commercial success, and struggles with their record label, Maverick Records, which ceased operations and closed around the same time.[10] Coinciding with Whitener’s announcement, three unreleased songs from Tantric's upcoming third album they had began working on, titled "Tantric III" were posted on the band's official MySpace page for fans to stream for free. However, the significance of this release was largely overshadowed by Whitener’s departure, casting uncertainty over the band’s future and influenced Ferreira to scrap the "Tantric III" album and begin creating a whole new album with new band members instead.[11][12]

Determined to continue, Ferreira reformed the band with a completely new lineup featuring Erik Leonhardt as the new bassist, Joe Pessia as the new lead guitarist to replace Whitener, and Kevin Miller as the new drummer replacing Taul.[13] Additionally, Ferreira added electric violinist Marcus Ratzenboeck as a full-time member, expanding the band’s musical direction and redefining its sound.[14] With the new Tantric lineup established, Ferreira continued recording new material for the band's upcoming third album and shortly after, in late 2007, announced via the band's official MySpace page that Tantric had signed a new record deal with Silent Majority Group.[15][16]

Originally, the band’s third album was intended to be titled Tantric III, a reference to the unreleased sessions recorded before the lineup changes.[17] However, Ferreira ultimately chose to abandon the title after concluding that the final product no longer reflected the earlier material. Given the complete overhaul of Tantric's lineup, sound, and direction, he felt a new title was more appropriate. The album was renamed "The End Begins" to symbolize both the conclusion of Tantric’s original era and the beginning of a new chapter.[18][19]

Ferreira cited the process up to its inception and stated that "the end of one thing led to the beginning of another." He also noted that many of the songs revolve around either the band itself or a troubled personal relationship he endured during the writing process. In a November 2008 interview, Ferreira explained the album's lyrical themes:

"This record is all about the strife and challenges of getting back on my feet after the second Tantric record, After We Go, not only on a professional sense but a personal one as well. It deals with personal and emotional growth, and learning from the blows the industry and life gives you.

On November 9, 2007 in a interview with Blabbermouth Ferreira officially announced the band signed to Silent Majority Group and the lead single "Down and Out" was among the first songs written and recorded for the new album, now titled "The End Begins."[20] Ferreira further revealed "Down and Out" was chosen as the album's lead single due to its lyrical relevance and energetic sound,[21] which he and the label believed best represented Tantric's rebirth, stating its themes of resilience and perseverance mirrored the group’s turbulent transition, making it a fitting introduction to the new lineup and a symbolic bridge between the band’s past and future.[22][23]

Charts

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Chart (2008) Peak
position
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[24] 34
US Mainstream Rock (Billboard)[25] 8

Composition and style

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"Down and Out" marked the first release in a new era of Tantric that displayed the complete overhaul of the band's instrumental members. The new lineup resulted in lead singer Hugo Ferreira being the last original member in the band that greatly contributed to the evolution in their new sound while maintaining their signature post-grunge style and Ferreira's distinct baritone vocals.

The most noticeable new sound stemmed from the addition of electric violinist Marcus Ratzenboeck as an official member of the band that brought a new layer to the sound compared to al the band's previous work, setting it apart from the band’s earlier guitar-heavy compositions. Ratzenboeck’s string parts provided melodic counterpoints and atmospheric elements, offering a dramatic and orchestral feel.[26] Meanwhile, new lead guitarist Joe Pessia contributed a more dynamic and modern hard rock edge, while bassist Erik Leonhardt and drummer Kevin Miller added a tighter, groove-oriented rhythm section. The song features a polished yet aggressive tone, with introspective lyrics focused on themes of adversity, perseverance, and personal rebirth—concepts that mirrored the band’s internal transformation. Ferreira’s vocal performance, layered with harmonies and supported by the new instrumentation, reflects both emotional weight and renewed energy.[27]

Reception

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"Down and Out" received a wide range of responses, with some praising the band's innovative approach and others expressing reservations about the departure from their original sound.[28]

Dan Upton of antiMusic noted that the track "showcases the biggest evolution with the new lineup, the addition of permanent electric violinist Marcus Ratzenboeck," while highlighting the integration of the electric violin as a significant but good development in the band's music.[29]

Melodic.net compared "Down and Out" to the style of the band Skillet, describing it as "hard-hitting" with a "fresh attitude," suggesting a positive reception to the band's new direction.[30]

[edit]

The song appears on the soundtrack of the baseball video game Major League Baseball 2K10, and the game's cover star Evan Longoria has used the song as his entrance music during his career.[31]

Personnel

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Technical personnel

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Music video

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An official music video for "Down and Out" directed by Mason Dixon was released on August 14, 2008 and premiered on the YouTube channel for the band's record label Silent Majority Group.[37]

The video's plot involves an artist exploring themes of self-acceptance and resilience through evocative lyrics and powerful music. The message conveys that despite external changes or loss, one's core identity remains intact. The narrator embarks on a journey of growth and self-discovery is depicted vividly, encouraging others to embrace their true selves and persist through challenges.[38][39]

References

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  1. ^ "Tantric: End Begins". Be Independent. Tantric. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  2. ^ "Pure Bliss: An Exclusive Interview With Bassist JESSE VEST Of BLISSKRIEG". KNAC.com. Kelley Simms. Retrieved 11 February 2021.
  3. ^ "Tantric - Artist Bio". Amazon Music. Silent Majority Group. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  4. ^ "Tantric (2000s Rock Band) Biography". Last.fm. Tantric. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  5. ^ "Tantric profile and history". River Valley Democrat Gazette. River Valley Democrat Gazette. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  6. ^ "Tantric - The End Begins Album Credits". Allmusic. Silent Majority Group. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  7. ^ "Former Tantric, Days of the New Bassist Jesse Vest Background and History". Soundclick. Tantric. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  8. ^ "Tantric - Mercury Retrograde Tour Bio". Lansing State Journal. Staff. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  9. ^ "Tantric singer talks about revolving door of backing musicians over the years, band's future". Great Falls Tribune. Patrick Douglas. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
  10. ^ "Interview – Hugo Ferreira of Tantric – A Man and His Vision". CrypticRock.com. CrypticRock. Retrieved 1 October 2013.
  11. ^ "Tantric: The End Begins The Full Backstory Of The New Tantric Abum". Pop Matters. Charles A. Hohman. Retrieved 26 May 2008.
  12. ^ "Tantric enjoys rebirth, new album". NNY360. CHRIS BROCK. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
  13. ^ "Tantric (Rock band) Artist Profile". axs.tv. Cleopatra Records. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  14. ^ "News From the Pit". Louisville Music News. Eddy Metal. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  15. ^ "Tantric signs new record deal with SMG, set to release 3rd album in April 2008". Silent Majority Group. Jeff Hanson. Retrieved 13 December 2007.
  16. ^ "Tantric Artist History". Media Five Entertainment. Media Five Ent. Retrieved 22 April 2008.
  17. ^ "The Story of Tantric". The Audio DB. Silent Majority Group. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
  18. ^ "Tantric took four years -- and practically a complete lineup change -- before re-entering the music game with "The End Is Here," and the remarkable disc is worth every moment of the hiatus". Billboard. Christa Titus. Retrieved 2 May 2008.
  19. ^ "Tantric History". PlayVJ. Tantric. Retrieved 15 September 2009.
  20. ^ "New TANTRIC Album With New Label, Features CANDLEBOX Singer Kevin Martin". Blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth Staff. Retrieved 9 November 2007.
  21. ^ "Interview With Tantric". James Entertainment Edge. James Drzewiecki. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
  22. ^ "Silent Majority Group – News and Signings". NeuFutur Magazine. James. Retrieved 24 November 2007.
  23. ^ "Q&A With Silent Majority Group's Jeff Hanson and Rick Schmidt". Deane Media Solutions. Jeff Hanson. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  24. ^ "Tantric Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  25. ^ "Tantric Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  26. ^ "Tantric is back with new single 'Down and Out'". The Spectatour. Dana Williamson. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  27. ^ "Tantric - The End Begins (Review)". Under The Gun Review. James Shotwell. Retrieved 21 October 2008.
  28. ^ "Tantric Reviews (2008)". Rate Your Music. Tantric. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
  29. ^ "antiMusic: Tantric - The End Begins Review". antiMusic. Dan Upton. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  30. ^ "Tantric New Music Review". Melodic. Tom Spinelli. Retrieved 15 February 2008.
  31. ^ "2K Sports - 2K Sports to Rock Video Game Consoles with Major League Baseball® 2K10 Soundtrack". 2ksports.com. Archived from the original on 2010-02-19.
  32. ^ "Tantric - Down and Out (BMI Songview Credits)". BMI. Tantric. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  33. ^ "Marcus Ratzenboeck (Tantric)". Wood Violins. Wood Violins. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  34. ^ "Toby Wright Discography List". Toby Wright Music. Toby Wright. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  35. ^ "Tantric - Down and Out On (Production Credits)". Allmusic. Silent Majority Group. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
  36. ^ "Tantric - Down and Out (CD Single) Credits List". Discogs. Silent Majority Group. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
  37. ^ "Tantric - Down and Out (Directors Cut)". YouTube. Silent Majority Group. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
  38. ^ "Tantric: Down and Out (Music Video)". imDB. Tantric. Retrieved 14 August 2008.
  39. ^ "Tantric Down & Out (Music Video)". Apple Music. Tantric. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
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