Driven - Hard Rock, Progressive - South Bend, IN
Driven is a hard rock band with progressive and instrumental tendencies that hails from South Bend, Indiana, and I was lucky enough to get a chance to check out some of the tracks off of their most recent album, abstract(ion). Honestly, I don’t usually listen to this the type of music,
but I have to say, I ended up really enjoying Driven, mainly thanks to their skillfulsongwriting.
The band does a great job combining melodic instrumentals with heavy, catchy choruses. Impressively, each song is completely distinct and can stand on its own. The music is made up of a number of different styles, which really helps Driven appeal to all kinds of audiences, including myself, who is somewhat of an outsider to this genre.
The track “Inside” starts out with some powerful heavy chugging, and the singer has a great rasp that carries listeners through the verses. Something I really liked was that the lyrics had slight variations in every chorus, while still keeping the same vocal pattern. I know a lot of bands who would just lazily copy the words from the first chorus, repeat them three times, and then be done with it. But not Driven. They go the extra mile, which I’m sure many listeners appreciate. “Inside” also has a fantastic bridge that showcases some of the post-rock elements that Driven likes to incorporate.
“Insane Devotion” was another highlight for me. Some of the band’s heaviest sections can be found in this song, but the music is still very diverse. It’s amazing how this band can go from some extremely intense chorus straight into a slower, melodic section. This song also showcases the skills of the bass player, who works way harder than your average bassist, commanding the song during the bridge.
Driven is definitely a band you should check out, regardless of what genres of music you’re most into. I never thought I would enjoy this band, but they work very hard and it shows in their songs. You can tell that this band takes a lot of time making sure everything is just right, and the dynamics in every song can take you from a somber, ominous atmosphere flawlessly into a ridiculously heavy, head-banging riff. The band recently said in an interview that they’ll be recording another album in 2013, and I can hardly wait. Give Driven a listen! You won’t be disappointed.
Listen/Buy the album abstract(ion) here:
http://www.facebook.com/DrivenBand3/app_155326481208883
Watch their video for "Awaken" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pzPzF1lp2M
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DrivenBand3
By: Max Puhala
but I have to say, I ended up really enjoying Driven, mainly thanks to their skillfulsongwriting.
The band does a great job combining melodic instrumentals with heavy, catchy choruses. Impressively, each song is completely distinct and can stand on its own. The music is made up of a number of different styles, which really helps Driven appeal to all kinds of audiences, including myself, who is somewhat of an outsider to this genre.
The track “Inside” starts out with some powerful heavy chugging, and the singer has a great rasp that carries listeners through the verses. Something I really liked was that the lyrics had slight variations in every chorus, while still keeping the same vocal pattern. I know a lot of bands who would just lazily copy the words from the first chorus, repeat them three times, and then be done with it. But not Driven. They go the extra mile, which I’m sure many listeners appreciate. “Inside” also has a fantastic bridge that showcases some of the post-rock elements that Driven likes to incorporate.
“Insane Devotion” was another highlight for me. Some of the band’s heaviest sections can be found in this song, but the music is still very diverse. It’s amazing how this band can go from some extremely intense chorus straight into a slower, melodic section. This song also showcases the skills of the bass player, who works way harder than your average bassist, commanding the song during the bridge.
Driven is definitely a band you should check out, regardless of what genres of music you’re most into. I never thought I would enjoy this band, but they work very hard and it shows in their songs. You can tell that this band takes a lot of time making sure everything is just right, and the dynamics in every song can take you from a somber, ominous atmosphere flawlessly into a ridiculously heavy, head-banging riff. The band recently said in an interview that they’ll be recording another album in 2013, and I can hardly wait. Give Driven a listen! You won’t be disappointed.
Listen/Buy the album abstract(ion) here:
http://www.facebook.com/DrivenBand3/app_155326481208883
Watch their video for "Awaken" here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pzPzF1lp2M
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DrivenBand3
By: Max Puhala