 Driveway
Self-titled CD
Self-released
Genres: rock, country rock, alt country
Dec 6 - 12 2004 |
Despite its predictability and lack of originality, this is an
immensely entertaining country rock album. Driveway are a
fine group of musicians with a knack for crafting infectious pop songs. Pedal steel and
twang aside, this definitely comes across pop album with country
influences (rather than vice versa), but it should be liked
by a diverse selection of music fans. The key to this album's success is its consistent accessibility -
going through the album, I can't find a song I don't like. All
of these tunes are on level ground, so to speak (except the bland
"Suffering"); as a result, you aren't
going to be compelled to skip over songs - assuming you like Driveway's
overall sound. Melodies are present in droves, but the band's
deliciously twangy approach helps carry them over the edge.
"Winter" and "Kiss" are two of the album's
infectious slow songs; they carry a hardened, internal catchiness not
unlike The Anomoanon's work. More energetic songs like
"Butterfly" and "Angels," meanwhile, are based on
strong choruses and hooks galore.
I'll concede that this isn't a brilliantly creative work of art,
sure - but it's still one of the most honestly infectious and
entertaining albums I've heard in a long while.
86%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
10 tracks, distributed by MapleMusic, released 2004] |
