you can also read this review there (
http://monolith.gr/reviews/albumlist.html)
Drive By Wire - "Drive By Wire"
(my first sonny weissmuller, 2006)
1. Tar
2. Tullamore Dew
3. Happiness Is Dangerous
4. Muddy Mudskipper
5. Brand New Woman
6. Morning May Never Come
7. Dirt
8. Buzz
10.Windswept
I have on my hands this special release for almost 2 months and I still find myself spinning this album over and over. It's been a very long time since the last time I have come across an album with such a staying power and strangely enough it's still not letting up. While listening I can't help but move into this, I need more and more to amplify its ultimate potent emotion. It takes zero effort to listen to it all the way through and then do it again!! Within each listen I found this contagious album reaching deep into my limbic system. This release for its genre is almost the perfect record. Simone is back and just in time I might add!
Setting the sentimental factor aside, the fuming stoner rock dominates their release with a sound which is as dirty as it should get. A throat, 2 guitars and a set of drums is all they need to rock. However, at the same time the mood feels so dark, trippy and sexy. Maybe this is due to the all-female vocals either with Simone leading or with special guest Anneke van Giersbergen (The Gathering) supporting, whispering or even taking the lead in tracks like the aptly named Happiness Is Dangerous or the masterpiece Tullamore Dew. Simone's and Annie's voices blend damn well together. All other The Gathering members lend a hand since Drive By Wire was mainly a two-piece (new member on the drums is Rob Snijders (Anneke' s husband).
Generally, the songs are all similarly strong, staying rather dark, groovy and atmospheric but exploring a style that is somewhat unique and different on every song. One thing that might appeal to more melancholically-oriented audiences, is that by listening to it you can feel the sorrow of loss in Simone's lyrics (Windswept: "Be around, be around, I know you're always, I feel you're always, be around") but the same time you can see an optimistic point of view spread through out the lyrics ("Don't look behind"..)
If I was asked to point out one weakness on his album I really don't think I could. If you like this style of music, Drive By Wire is going to please you for sure! This band is really worthy of your attention. This disc basically demands a spot in your CD collection. Should you need some more convincing however, just visit their official website where you can download three (!) songs. Just remember that you have to listen to it really loud. And be sure to checkthem out if they support TG in the forthcoming tour to Greece, if and when this happens!
Rate: 12/13
[mutismus]
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