Review: Rain City Drive – Self-Titled
Artist: Rain City Drive
Album: Rain City Drive
Label: Thriller Records
Having a band rebrand, whether it be due to change in sound, lineup or any other reason can be a risky decision. It can be a chance to embrace a new fanbase, while keeping hold of the old or it can be polarizing. However, despite the odds stacked against them at the time, Sacramento area band Slaves, have risen from the ashes of their former selves. With their final release under that moniker, the band dove heavily into a more alternative & pop/rock direction with current vocalist Matt McAndrew and their previous album, To Better Days. This album not only showcased what a powerhouse McAndrew is but closed a chapter in the bands’ lives that they never expected to close. It was also a necessary severing of the ties to a word that had extremely negative connotations, showing growth in the band and their support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
The origin of the band’s name, Rain City Drive, is a reference, not only to how/where, the band came together but a reminder to fans to keep looking up, even when there are clouds overhead. Their music reflects this sentiment, being both introspective/vulnerable and having an overall message of hope. Their self-titled album, out July 15th via Thriller Records, continues the direction that they explored on TBD but amplifies, intensifies and tightens it up with every note the listener will hear.
Starting off with “Waiting On You,” the band explores a more technical side in their guitar parts, reminiscent of bands like Dance Gavin Dance, Polyphia, etc. This track does a great job of setting the tone for the album, overall, showcasing soaring vocals, a bombastic drum beat and a fun vibe. Lyrically, the themes of toxicity within a relationship are explored (which become common ground throughout the album itself.)
While the album does have a bit of a formulaic approach, there is a lot of experimentation within it as well. There are low vocals, slower tempos and fantastic buildups to each chorus. The choruses soar, the bridges for each track feature a key change and there is a switch up in the final chorus before the track ends. However, there are plenty of surprises in just how they decide to explore these formulas. For example, there are tracks like “Gardens of Misery,” which feels more R&B than pop/rock before the chorus kicks in and the lyrics instantly become ear worms. Then you have a track like “Psycho” which could easily dominate airwaves and stand tall beside any of the pop tracks on top 40 radio these days. Then you have tracks that have strong rhythm section presence, such as “Ophelia” and “Blood Runs Cold.”
If there is one thing this band has become great for, it is crafting a chorus that is both memorable, catchy and begs to be sung along to. These create moments of crowd participation, as well as relatability within the material. It’s clear that they write music that feels natural to them, is fun to play and is therapeutic from start to finish.
Rain City Drive has carefully created an album, embodying who they are and what they represent. The decision to make it self-titled was clearly a statement that the music contained within, is indicative of who they are as a collective, and there is something there for anyone who will take the time to listen. With a run-time of just under 40 minutes, each song makes its presence known and doesn’t overstay its welcome. The replay value is off the charts and, regardless of how many times you may listen to it, the listener will find something new to love each time. They are currently supporting Memphis May Fire on their Remade in Misery tour and have select festival dates, as well as a newly-announced tour supporting Set It Off, beginning August 25th in New York.
“Blood Runs Cold” (Official Music Video)
“Dying For” (Official Music Video)
“Waiting On You” (Official Music Video)
“Dreams” (Official Music Video)
“Cutting It Close” (Official Music Video)
Pre-Order/Pre-Save Rain City Drive
Rain City Drive are:
Matt McAndrew – Lead Vocals
Colin Vieira – Bass
Weston Richmond – Guitar
Felipe Sánchez – Guitar
Zachary Baker – Drums
