Downset Shows It’s Up to Hard-Core Task

Downset isn’t exactly the most inventive group of angry young men to step on stage in recent years, but that doesn’t mean their music isn’t heartfelt.

The Los Angeles quartet’s combination of ardent politics, hard-core crunch and sinewy hip-hop rhythms is just one of many variations on a theme behind groups ranging from Rage Against the Machine to 311.

Though Downset doesn’t achieve the epic fury of the former or festive ardor of the latter, it displayed enough emotion Saturday night at the Palace for an engaging show.

After a bit of a rough start because of technical difficulties, Downset barreled into a set that stretched from vehement punk rants to spoken-word lulls. Yet despite the intensity of the group’s full-throttle assaults and the odd vulnerability of singer Rey Oropeza’s poetry, the most compelling portions unwound during songs that combine the blustery and balmy elements for a more dynamic attack.

While Oropeza isn’t the most charismatic of frontmen, he connected with the crowd, venturing into the pit now and again to lead the moshing contingent in a rousing group chant. Ultimately, Downset doesn’t have much resonance outside hard-core punk circles, but it seems content to make as much of an impact as it can on those within its reach.