Customer Reviews

Driveblind

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you're searching for edgy or eclectic this is not the band for you but if you enjoy a melodic, straight-forward rock record with extremely well written songs, look no further than DRIVEBLIND!

Driveblind who hail from Aberdeen, Scotland just want to rock, and while they aren't particularly original they are extremely proud to reverberate their classic rock influences such as The Who, The Beatles, and other 60s & 70s staples. What they do they do really well and in fact, better than most. They are a refreshing shift from the angry nu-metal from a few years back and especially the over abundance of angst ridden emo which floods the airwaves today.

The debut from this band is a well balanced attack which changes pace from some upbeat and aggressive tracks to some more relaxing numbers with nothing leaning too far toward the sappy. Terry's vocals are particularly palatable with excellent harmonies in all the right spots.

There is something about Driveblind's energy and honesty which I appreciate. They don't have the schtick of a band like, say, Jet but they also don't come off as being as derivative or trendy. They seem satisfied simply being a rock band who recently released a great debut album. These guys should go far and I hope they do!

Pay particular attention to "The Fool Rides Again", "I Know You", and "I See It All".

Terry McDermott of Driveblind and Peter Klett and Scott Mercado, both founding members of Candlebox, have teamed up, along with John Luzzi on guitars, to form a new band called Lotus Crush. The band hails from Seattle. I have seen them perform 3 times (2 acoustic sets and once "plugged in"). Their new CD "Half Light Morning", is available on Amazon and Itunes. If you love the incredible vocals of Terry McDermott and the unique and broad guitar style of Peter Klett, then you just have to get the new CD. You won't be disappointed!

I saw these guys while touring for Candlebox as well. This was to be ALL about Candlebox--a great band in their own right...but the opening act--Driveblind--stole the show and blew me away. I've been a devotee ever since.

I remember being irritated that Candlebox wasn't going onstage until 11:15pm--who wants to hear several hours of opening bands???--and we damn near skipped the opening bands in favor of going to a local bar to hang out until 11:15. I'm SO glad we didn't. I can't remember the last time I've gotten so caught up in a particular band or artist...but for an opening band that I've never heard of to eclipse the main attraction...well that says something.

I realize not everyone likes the same kind of music...but honestly, I think their music will have wide appeal--you'd pretty much have to hate rock altogether to not like them. The album is obviously inexpensive, but WELL worth the investment. While this is definitely a ROCK album, it's the sort of catchy and infectious rock that is found on melodic rock or progressive rock albums that existed back in the 70's.

Unfortunately, the band has broken up since the release of this album, I believe largely due to poor promotion on the part of the record label. It's a damned shame...this is a band that definitely could've gone places. Never mind that, though--the album is still available to live on in infamy. I highly recommend adding this one to your collection--you won't regret it!

This is not a band that will particularly impress you with their intensity or originality. Nonetheless, they will blow you away with some of the most perfectly crafted songs of the last ten years. Ignore all that garbage in the description above about them sounding like The Who or Crowded House or any of the other bands mentioned -- they don't sound like any of those bands. They do, however, recreate the kind of rock found mostly in the seventies, before everything became a formula to be copied, and when rock bands just made great albums without trying to conform to any strictly defined genre. This is not hard rock, although it will probably appeal to many fans of hard rock because of its back-to-basics sound. The cd tends towards a softer classic rock sound, but at varying tempos and without being poppy, repetitive, or overtly radio friendly. As other reviewers have mentioned, this is a highly addictive cd. I am very much looking forward to their next one.

The Good
A sweet guitar run kicks of the high-energy track "Silhouette." The vocals of Terry McDermott are reminiscent of a young Tommy Shaw and John Waite. "Raised at Midnight" employs subdued verses that give way to a keyboard heavy chorus section. Driveblind deliver some great multi-part vocal harmonies here. "Light Sleeper" is a somber ballad accented by melodic tones, a single guitar, and minimal percussion. As the track builds to its climatic conclusion, the instrumentation swells with it. The group's musicianship is most prominently displayed on "Guide My Hand (Take Me Away." The listener will be swept into a musical journey of melody and emotion. "Clearer Now" focuses on the intricate guitar runs and solos of Nick Tyler, as well as simple chord changes of Cameron Taylor. Driveblind turn up the juice on the passion-fueled "All I Want."

The Bad
Not a damn thing!

The Verdict
One of the strongest debut albums ever! Driveblind have it all; great songs, catchy melodies, powerful melodic vocals, and intriguing lyrics. Rock is back!...and on a major label to boot.

I absolutely LOVE the Driveblind album! I have not removed it from my car cd player since purchase. Definately a must purchase.

Driveblind is a unique blend of 60's and 70's rock-opera and current emotionally wrought angst with a hint of true insight. Definately not your mainstream lyrically or musically, but it has a great rhythm and melody. This album is perfect for those more eclectic collections or if you're looking for a change!
Why am i so generous with the stars? Well - i figure with the fact that over a month later it is still in my cd player in my truck - it must be a really great album - however it doesnt make a 5 because I can turn it down or off on ocassion. I love this album and I am really excited about the band - but there are just a couple of tracks on this 12 set c.d. that I can take or leave, that are just a little too cliche for such a dynamic and creative band.
Definately looking forward to more of their work!

I Saw a Driveblind show and was instantly hooked. Pre-ordered the CD and have almost worn it out. A classic rock sound with amazing lyrics.This is a band that will appeal to almost everyone.

So I read some AP article about the 10 most overlooked albums of 2006, and after reading a couple of online reviews wasn't expecting much.

HOWEVER, what I found was a fledgling band that reminds me of a UK version of the Black Crowes, lots of blues fueling the music, but with very melodic vocal lines reminiscent of Travis from their "The Man Who" days and Toad the Wet Sprocket. Lyrics are well thought out, and hopeful, but of course contain the nowadays obligatory cliches.
There are several notable tracks on this album:
1. Silhouette: acoustic to hard rock, really moving song with a 60's southern country-rock feel.
2. Light sleeper: haunting melody line that drifts along with the song, and it has a *gasp* key change!! Which is unheard of nowadays.
3. Autumn Red: a 3:4 song that again has some great melodies.

I would definitely recommend this album, nice and refreshing!