Third time’s a charm, they say, and this cannot be wrong at certain times. The Defiants, the band that’s comprised of Paul Laine (Danger Danger, Shugaazer) on vocals, Rob Marcello (Danger Danger, Marcello/Vestry) on guitar, and Bruno Ravel (Danger Danger) on bass, are back with their third studio album, “Drive”. This time on drums is Van Romaine (The Steve Morse Band), who also played on the debut release.
The band embellishes their hard rock sound with AOR and melodic rock influences, along with some modern touches. The new album does not sound like the previous release, “Zokusho”, which makes “Drive” even more intriguing. Moreover, the production, which has been taken care of by Paul and Rob, is dynamic, rich, and modern.
The Defiants demonstrate their creative abilities throughout the album with engaging songs and well-crafted arrangements. Each track has its own character, and they all work together to create a strong final outcome. The beauty of an album is in its ability to evoke various emotions and memories within its audience, showcasing the true essence of its beauty.
Songs such as “Hey Life”, “Go Big or Go Home”, “19 Summertime”, “What Are We Waiting For”, “Miracle” (an incredible ballad), “So Good”, “Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”, “Another Time, Another Place” (Journey vibes all over it), “The Night to Remember”, and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now” will leave you astonished.
Paul Laine signs with great passion and emotion. His voice is as powerful and captivating as ever, and there’s no doubt that he’s one of the best vocalists in the rock scene at the moment. Furthermore, the guitar work by Rob Marcello is nothing short of spectacular. The riffs are rockin’ and electrifying, and the solos are pure ear delight. And, of course, both Bruno Ravel (bass) and Van Romaine (drums) are flawlessly completing this melodic rock puzzle, aiming for nothing less than perfection.
“Drive” is a blast from start to finish, and it’s easily one of the best hard rock albums of the year. The Defiants have created an album full of energy, emotion, and catchy hooks. “Drive” is more than just an album… it pays homage to everything we adore about melodic hard rock, and it’ll leave you wanting more. Hence, fasten your seatbelt, crank up the volume, and let The Defiants take you on a crazy musical ride!
