Rohna: “Don’t Come Down” Review

Tampa indie alt rock band Rohna is making waves in Florida’s music scene, building a loyal following who are drawn to their infectious energy and a sound that is both thought-provoking and soothing. Rohna released an absolute stand out single titled Don’t Come Down on February 26, 2025.

The band began writing the song back in May of 2023,  and writing it was a unifying experience for them as they were able to fully dive into the songwriting process as a group. As stated on Instagram, band member Nick Rovello writes, “...I remember it felt like we were constantly chasing highs as a group, and falling into a cycle of always trying to out-do the last experience… stay afloat and trust that things will always work out for the better” Recognizing the irony in this statement itself, as it reflects the very essence of who we are. We yearn for a sense of ease and spontaneity, yet this way of thinking doesn’t come naturally to us. 

Lyrically, Don’t Come Down expresses the challenge of holding onto a sense of balance and clarity while facing life’s uncertainties. The first line of the song is rich in imagery and symbolism in its simplest form. “Butterflies in your hair keep you fluttering” is a powerful first verse- butterflies often symbolize personal transformation and change and the word fluttering evokes a sense of weightlessness, movement, and freedom. The line as a whole suggests that these thoughts, experiences, or emotions are keeping the person in a state of movement, hence the later lyric “Just keep on floating down, come down”. To explore this feeling even further, can relate to the common phrase “Butterflies in your stomach” but instead, experiencing it on the outside, serving as a visible manifestation of inner emotions. 

With warm guitar tones, textured distortion, and impactful build-ups, Rohna is consistently drawing in more listeners, making each new release even more exciting! Don’t Come Down is the perfect example of this, as its energy is soulful, resonating and calming all at the same time. Every layer of instrumentals embedded between the lines of this song delicately lace together the power that drives the emotions behind the music, followed by the strong guitar chords and fading vocals. The soothing voices that deliver each line prove Rohna have a distinct and raw sound. The ability to have such a dynamic climax within the song by maintaining a sense of beautiful simplicity is something Rohna is especially skilled at, making their music captivating. 

Once again, Don’t Come Down proves to be another undeniable hit from Rohna, deserving of the recognition it's bound to receive. First debuted at the Next Big Thing Festival in Clearwater, Florida, in December 2023, the song has been highly anticipated, and it more than lived up to it;s incredible live performance. The line, “We’ll figure it out”, paired with the stunning instrumentals weaved within, tie the song together beautifully by delivering a powerful, yet calming message of resilience, leaving a lasting impression on the band’s continued growth and artistry. 

Review by Sydney Sugrue