Driving South – Dog Trap Road (2022)
Influenced by the likes of The Smiths, Parquet Courts, The Clouds and The Screaming Blue Messiahs, Australian group Driving South lie somewhere between country and old-school rock and roll. With only one EP to their name, Driving South might be considered a newbie on the streaming scene, but they are not strangers to the music industry. With band members having performed in other bands before coming together to create Driving South in 2019, the artists have various experiences and styles. Come with us as we delve into their debut EP Dog Trap Road.
Focusing primarily on gigs, Driving South built a reputation for energetic, engaging and hard-hitting performances. Enthused by their “live sound”, Dog Trap Road takes listeners to a powerful live gig without leaving the comfort of their homes. A melodic combination of Jürgen Joarder’s guitar, Shannon Lewis’ drums and Cam McWilliams’ bass contributes to the high-powered energy behind the songs. Oddly enough, while there is an electricity running through the tracks, there is a soothing and smooth quality to the soundscape.
Opening with the title track, Driving South immediately introduce you to a dark and hard sound; however, the pounding drums lead you into a more toe-tapping vibe. Leaning heavily on the rock sound of the 1960s and 1970s, ‘Dog Trap Road’ is a slice of Woodstock inserted into contemporary society. This blunt rock and roll vibe is also heard in ‘Riding Home’ (the fourth track on the EP) but Driving South showcases versatility with their intriguing track placement.
Lighter than their classic rock and roll stylings, ‘Heart and Hands’ and ‘Back To You’ embrace an indie-folk vibe. Joarder and Lewis’ vocals merge elegantly with the instrumentation enhancing a light-hearted, whimsical ambience. Do not be fooled, while there is a twinge of Carole King, a steady rock influence remains underneath. My favourite track has to be the closing song ‘Two’. Upbeat and enthusiastic, Driving South tosses you into a whirlpool of sound in this one. Running at full speed, the band barely leave you time to take a breath before your head twirls about.
Dog Trap Road does have its light-hearted, laidback style, but Driving South merely hints at this chilled-out vibe. Poignant, innovative and eclectic, the EP shows versatility, flexibility and eclecticism. What is highly evident in Dog Trap Road is the band’s enthusiasm for live music and, based on the EP, I think they are sensational performers. Keep an eye on Driving South – I foresee great success for this group.
For more from Driving South check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
