Dryve is a San Diego, CA-based band which has already drawn comparisons to a number of "organic" rock artists, such as Counting Crows, Tom Petty, Wilco and Gin Blossoms. The group mixes modern rock hooks with the classic sound of Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes electric piano, accordion, mandolin and harmonica. While not the first in Christian music to sport this roughhewn sound, Dryve is one of the best bands I've heard in some time, and has an excellent chance to break out, due to SaraBellum's connection to the Warner distribution system. Musically, all six members of Dryve are quite good, with special note going to vocalist Cory Verner, guitarists Steve Pratscher & Paul Donovan and keyboardist David Pratscher, all of whom excel on multiple instruments. The matter-of-fact simplicity of Dryve's music also carries over to its lyrics (both penned as a group collective). "Nervous" finds the band realizing when "it's been too long running on luck" that it can count on "Your coming in the flesh and dying like that;" "Stay" conveys an even more direct plea for God's presence, as Verner sings "I need You under my skin...I need You at my throat," and "It's My Fault" is an amazingly honest song about a troubled relationship ("I forgive me and God forgives me/So when will you?"). Dryve even does a deft turn at a praise chorus in "Rain" ("Rain down on me/And I will believe"). With over 30 shows under its belt and at least 100 planned for '97, Dryve appears to be in high gear.
Other coverage for this album
The Lighthouse June 1997Reviewed by Ed RockThe idea that we don't need more people to write Christian books but rather more Christians to write books on all subjects with their beliefs intact is attributed to C.S. Lewis, but it applies to a strand of emerging Christian bands such as Dryve. Some bands seem to start out writing with their parameters set to make Christian music. Other bands seem to start out writing great music and poetry…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Chris ParksLet's be up front: I like Dryve's debut album on Sarabellum Records, but not for the reasons that I typically like an album. Usually, my appreciation of an artist's work has more to do with lyrics than music. In fact, I can often reconcile myself to listening to musical styles that I wouldn't normally enjoy if the artist involved writes lyrics that intrigue me. Case in point: my introduction to…Similar sounding releases
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