DRIVING FORWARD
"For
the Rest of Our Lives" (Carburetor Media; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Driving Forward's "For the Rest of Our Lives" is a very interesting CD. Starting with the vicious "Third Degree," which drips with venom and anger, and rolling through the rest of the eclectic CD, the band keeps you guessing and, although they boast a boldly modern sound, they never once stray into spongerock territory.
Truly a band that can't be pigeonholed, Driving Forward combine elements of modern rock, heavy metal, hard rock and alternative for a unique sound that's best described as engrossing. You never know where the band is going next, and their musicianship is noteworthy for a band that takes such risks with songwriting. There are few clichés on "For the Rest of Our Lives," and those that are there put to perfect use. In other words, they never seen exploitative or manipulative.
Just when you think you've got things figured out, along comes a track like "Sir" which seems to be a pure punk rock ode to a pet dog. Hey, it's about time someone paid tribute to man's best friend!
As I began writing this review, upon beginning my third listen through of "For the Rest of Our Lives," I had a rating of 2 1/2 guitarsaws firmly in mind. By the end of the third play, however, I realized that not only did I enjoy the band's inventiveness, but I was having fun listening. That alone is worth the additional half guitarsaw.
Check out Driving Forward if you're looking for a band that's creative enough to go beyond the norm without going too far into the bizarre.
For more information, check out http://www.drivingforward.net.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2006 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 04 Mar 2024 13:27:28 -0500.
