Desmond Drive “I Called I”
When there are no constraints from a big high and mighty record label dictating what you should sound like, musical creativity abounds. The four guys in Desmond Drive take full advantage of this independent spirit to deliver an original, fun quirky album. After all, when you pick up an instrument you play it, not work it.
Vocalist Bill Shaouy has a strong unique voice that carries the band’s debut album I Called I. His performance always sits comfortably and his stylings reflect many of the great singers from an earlier era. In the opener “Two-Headed Beast” Shaouy’s leads are prominent in the mix and his melodic delivery is reminiscent of early Bruce Springsteen, albeit with a much clearer, un-gritty tone. The long held vocals in the bridge of “Isn’t It a Wonder” conjure up comparisons to Roy Orbison, as do the underlying chord progression.
The Beatles are also a major influence on the band from the line “I am a lover of love songs McCartney’s” from “Simple Things” to the Lennon-esque vocal turns in “Your Name” and the “na na nas” in “Leader.” The chord progression in the fully orchestrated number “One Night” draws similarities to the supergroup’s “She Came In Through the Bathroom Window.” Parallel with the Beatles later music and grand production, thanks to their illustrious producer Sir George Martin, “One Night” features a lovely string introduction and a dynamic extended fade out with arco cellos overlaying the electric guitar and bells.
Overall, the instrumentation and production on I Called I is fantastic. The Greek chorus also adds mild amusement interspliced throughout the album – especially the interjection involving the interrupting ringing telephone. However, Desmond Drive could benefit from churning out more effective lyrics. While “Happy Tollbooth Guy” is a neat introspective, random story that paints a decent picture: “Like the taillights from every passerby / Go the thoughts in his head,” it would be a shame if the band suffered from cliché or mediocre lyrics like in “My Will” with the recurring rhyme “…but then my will goes beddy-bye / Don’t know why.”
Desmond Drive has got a great sense of musicality and high energy. I Called I is a definite recommendation for a fun listen off the beaten path. For the sophomore album, hopefully listeners can expect more of the same but with deeper, more intelligent lyrics.
Reviewed By Kelly O’Neil
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