Album Review: D_Drive – Dynamotive (Marshall Records)

Japanese instrumentalists D_Drive have a brand-new album called ‘Dynamotive’. The record, set to be released via Marshall Records on August 26th is the culmination of many years work for the band.

A clever, interesting and wholly unique style of music, D_Drive can be simply summed up as instrumental rock. Yet, such simple words can’t convey in the slightest, the amount of fascinating touches that make this band such a novel listen.

If this is your first experience of D_Drive, then be ready to have your socks blown off as the band deliver a raucous display of classic heavy rock music blended with elements of metal, jazz and prog. Now do you see just why they are called a unique proposition?

From the roaring energy of Red Light, Green Light (the guitars are so very fine) to the complex instrumentation and winding groove of Begin Again. From the heavier and sharper groove of I Remember the Town to the flashy head-banger that is Get Away and the soaring brilliance of Be Yourself. The first half of this album is really addictive listening.

Be expected to be fully immersed in what D_Drive are doing here by this stage. It’s impossible to not be all in on the instrumental cleverness and the second half only deepens the connection. D_Drive explode with vibrancy on the old-school rock body-shaker that is Runaway Boy before they come out swinging with the technically wild and energetic Thumbs Up. So much variety on show, it’s quite simply flabbergasting.

There’s still plenty more reasons to be wowed though as D_Drive deliver an exuberant display with Wings. Following that up with U_Me, the opening of which is such a ‘lighters up high’ moment. It’s really lovely sounding and as the track develops, it doesn’t lose that potency, it’s just directed into something more intense sounding.

Which brings us to the end, a sad end as D_Drive have certainly impressed here. However, all good things must end and it’s with Breakout that Dynamotive comes to close. A finale as grand, as imaginative and as brilliant as everything heard so far.

What an album. If you haven’t heard of D_Drive before, be prepared to hear of little else going forward based off the inevitable response to Dynamotive.

D_Drive – Dynamotive Full Track Listing:

1. Red Light, Green Light
2. Begin Again
3. I Remember the Town
4. Get Away
5. Be Yourself
6. Runaway Boy
7. Thumbs Up
8. Wings
9. U_Me
10. Breakout

Links

Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Instagram