Capdown

Capdown is an English punk rock band from Milton Keynes, originally formed under the name Soap. Their music blends ska, punk, hardcore, dub, reggae, and drum and bass, with politically charged themes. The band’s name is short for Capitalist Downfall, reflecting their lyrical focus on social issues. They became known for their independent releases, relentless touring, and energetic live performances, earning a dedicated following in the UK punk scene.

Career

Early Years and Formation (1998–2000)

The band, originally known as Soap, was formed by members who had been playing together since they were 14 years old. In 1998, they sent a demo of their EP Time for Change to Household Name Records, which led to them being signed after playing a show with Link 80. Soon after, they changed their name to Capdown (short for Capitalist Downfall) and released their debut album, Civil Disobedients, in 2000. The album fused hardcore punk with ska and dub, and was influential in kickstarting the UK underground punk scene.

Touring Success and Second Album (2001–2003)

Following the release of their debut, Capdown toured extensively, performing nearly 250 gigs in 2000 alone. In 2001, the band toured with notable American punk bands like Less Than Jake and played major festivals such as Deconstruction alongside Pennywise and Lagwagon. Later that year, they released their second album, Pound for the Sound, to positive reviews.

In 2002, they toured with legendary bands such as Bad Religion and Hundred Reasons, further solidifying their reputation for powerful live performances. They were also featured in the BBC documentary Brassic Beats, which explored the British ska punk scene.

Fierce Panda Records and Continued Growth (2003–2007)

In 2003, Capdown signed with Fierce Panda Records and released two EPs: Act Your Rage and New Revolutionaries, with the former reaching number 80 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite being a relatively underground band, they had sold over 30,000 copies of Civil Disobedients and Pound for the Sound combined by 2004.

Capdown’s live shows became legendary, and they continued to tour relentlessly. In 2007, they released their final studio album, Wind Up Toys, before announcing their breakup. Their final tour was held in November 2007, though their official final performance occurred in June 2008 at a hometown show in Milton Keynes.

Reformation and Festival Appearances (2010–present)

Capdown reunited in 2010 for a one-off performance at the Slam Dunk Festival, but the reunion led to further appearances at festivals such as Rebellion Festival, Hevy Music Festival, and Reading and Leeds Festival. In the following years, they continued to play at the Slam Dunk Festival in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2021.

Other Projects

After Capdown’s initial breakup, several members formed other musical projects. Robin Goold and Tim Macdonald played in The Maccalites alongside Simon Wells from Snuff, while Goold, Minter, and Macdonald also performed in the rock band This Contrast Kills. In addition, Macdonald joined the UK hardcore band Menshevik.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Civil Disobedients (2000, Household Name Records)
• Pound for the Sound (2001, Household Name Records)
• Wind Up Toys (2007, Fierce Panda Records)

EPs

• Time for Change (1999, Household Name Records)
• Act Your Rage (2003, Fierce Panda Records)
• New Revolutionaries (2003, Fierce Panda Records)