Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions – The Cry of War (2023)
Inspired by the profoundness of human existence, Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions capture the deeper, darker side of humanity in moving melodies. Not to put a downer on things but the US-based band certainly encapsulate those grittier part of life; however, simultaneously, the group’s songs uplift, inspire and are damned fun to hear. When we left Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions, at least review-wise, they shared a tale of responsibility, expectation and acknowledgement of a difficult path in ‘Day I Was Born’. In their latest single, ‘The Cry of War’, the band once again touches on those themes with a rock growl.
Following the single ‘Destiny Road’, ‘The Cry of War’ taps into the provocative issue of war. Another guitar-driven single, ‘The Cry of War’ retains the nostalgic rock sound of Dranow and The Manic Emotions; however, there seems to be a harder, heavier, brasher tone to the single. Pounding drums match scorching guitars with a bold beat from the bass weaving a powerful sonic landscape.
One aspect I find intriguing about ‘The Cry of War’ is how each instrument represents a particular emotion captured in the struggle. Drums bring a foreboding of something to come but backed by fierce resilience. The electric guitars add a touch of shimmering anger and a desire to make a stand. The bass is the driving force beneath the rage, and it all comes together in a bold declaration of empowerment and hopeful patriotism. In the final verse, the band of brothers fighting an oppressive force prevail as the final strum lingers on a brighter day.
When I listen to Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions, I am always drawn back to the days of 70s rock. Of course, there is a modern-day flair with ‘The Cry of War’ sitting alongside Tanith and Queens of the Stone Age. Yet, the retro pulse beats through with a tingling sense of Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin in the background. Leaning toward hard rock meets metal tones, I can easily see ‘The Cry of War’ leading a fist-pumping crowd at festivals.
Find out more about Gary Dranow and The Manic Emotions on their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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