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Genre: pop/rock Rating:  Check Out: “I Have Better Things To Do Tonight,” “The Inevitability of Closing a Hat,” and “Temple of Doom.”  myspace |
As yet another band hailing from Austin, TX (which claims to be the Capital of Indie Rock, but I find that highly debatable), Driver F understandably has had some difficulty getting signed to a music label. But after listening to their debut, I’m starting to think that music labels are busy looking for the next Josh Groban, because I can’t think of a respectable pop/rock label that would listen to this band and turn them away.
It’s true that Chase the White Whale would have never come to my attention unless the band contacted me. And when I first listened to their Myspace, they sounded a bit too much like Taking Back Sunday to make me comfortable. Yet, once I gave the album a shot, my opinion completely changed. Their lyrics are honest enough to do The Starting Line proud, and their zeal and energy is absolutely infectious.
But the truly astonishing thing was my discovery of a trombone and a trumpet in the background. That definitely taught me not to judge a band on their Myspace, because both instruments not only hint at ska but give them a swagger that I used to associate with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. In fact, with the horns, Driver F sounds more like a band effort rather than a one-man-show with a supporting band (which TBS has degenerated to in my opinion).
Overall, a good debut that hints at even better things once this band gets signed. After seeing how bitter The Starting Line became, I suggest you latch on while they’re still young and relatively happy with life. Just a word of advice for future releases, boys: go the way of the trumpet.
Disclosure: Driver F was brought to my attention by an email from the lead singer. Please see my review policy for more.
Tags: chase the white whale, driver f
Great review, I got this album a couple of days ago, and have only had a couple of listens to it. I completely agree about the horns they do give the band a different and more rounded sound.
Up to now “Suncrusher” is probably my favorite track. Although the opening track “Two Words..” is catchy as hell.
I know very little about this band and their history but I am generally impressed with what I have heard.
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Driver F is a phenomenal band. I’m honestly still shocked they haven’t been signed yet. I don’t know. I guess it just reflects what record labels are after–and I guess it’s not talent…
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