DOWNTOWN STRUTS were formed in 2008 in Chicago with two members hailing from Northern California and two from the Midwest. Setting out to create honest music stemming from punk and Americana influences, the songs are passionate and melodic at heart but delivered with drive and aggression. Influence from THE CLASH, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, and THE REPLACEMENTS is evident in their carefully constructed songwriting and powerful live show. The City of Chicago, with its inevitable ups and downs, sets the background for the band's debut full length album, "Victoria!". Recorded with Matt Allison at Atlas Studios in Chicago, this record is ambitious without losing familiarity, and maintains its energy and urgency throughout all 10 tracks. After a full US tour in support of The Business this Spring, the band continues on the road in 2012, including plans for a European Summer tour with appearances at both the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool (UK) and the Endless Summer Festival, in Germany. This is bound to be a life-changing year for the Struts. Get in, hold on and enjoy the ride!!