Dorydrive’s success has been rapid and well deserved. After getting together in Nashville, TN back in 2010, the band promptly hit the road, setting out to conquer live performances and working shows for two years straight. In that time they found supporting slots for the likes of Alice Cooper, Sevendust and Pop Evil to name a few. The band is comprised of experienced musicians including former Echovalve vocalist Mathieu Nevitt, along with former members of the Milwaukee, WI based group Marashino, which included drummer Joey Zak, guitarist Tom LaBrosse, guitarist Henry Koller, and bassist Nicholas Mendini. After two years crafting their sound, the five-piece band debuted their independent album Calling On Angels in 2012. Now signed to First Launch Records, a division of BLU Entertainment Group, Dorydrive presents their second album titled Here’s To You.
Here’s To You is an overall positive and optimistic record filled with some great rock songs. Many of the tracks have a live vibe to them, from the epic opening track “Radiate” to the chugging guitars and emotional delivery of “Paramour”. You can tell that the band spent a great deal of time honing their sound over their past four years together and these songs are the culmination of that. Obvious touching points include, The Calling, Default, Dave Matthews, and Our Lady Peace, and for such reasons it are not hard to see Dorydrive celebrating the same success on radio. There is a lot to be said for a band that is so comfortable within their own skin; Dorydrive clearly is excelling at bringing together an accessible alternative rock sound.
There is emotion and beauty on “When The Lights Burn Out”, energy and drive with “Perfect Chemical”, and passion on the title track “Here’s To You”. The song “Dance Baby Dance” would have been perfect for MTV when they were still playing music videos. Lyrically each song brings people together with sincere and relatable topics. Musically, the band proves they are very tightly knitted as a unit, complimented by the solid production of Josh Mendez. A key highlight on the album is “Never Easy”, which has echoes of early 2000’s rock; combining electric and acoustic guitars with strong melodies and catchy lyrics. Dorydrive is able to bring out the best of these various parts to this song.
There is a lot to like on Here’s To You! From straightforward, stadium rock moments to intimate, heartfelt songs like “All The Same” and “Your Gravity”, Dorydrive exhibit obvious faith in their music, which in exchange makes you believe in them and cheer for their success in the future. What sets Dorydrive apart from other bands; they are not afraid to stand behind their ever-so-slightly retro sound, which does not stand in the way of an insightful rock band with heart and passion. CrypticRock give this album 4 out of 5 stars.
Review written by Gideon Thomas
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