Gary Dranow and the Manic Emotions – Twisted Minds (2022)
Described as “…a musical legend…” (Vents Magazine), “…genre-defying…” (Independent Artist Buzz), and “…proven to be a great songwriter…his band supports him perfectly and the result is a unique alchemy of emotions.” (Edgar Allan Poets), singer-songwriter Gary Dranow is receiving critical acclaim left, right and centre. Along with these publications, he is reaching audiences at an international level with coverage from Modern Mystery Blog, Music For All, Less Than 1000 Followers, Illustrate Magazine and many more. This is my introduction to Gary Dranow and the Manic Emotions, but it seems I am in for a real treat.
After creating successful business endeavours in the world of outdoor sports, lead vocalist Dranow sought music as a catharsis. Turning to music “to help him cope with bipolar disorder and the effects of a stroke”, Gary Dranow and the Manic Emotions is a breath of fresh air to remove stress and anxiety. With plans for a debut EP, Destiny Road, in place (set for release in 2023), the US-based lads began releasing singles to be included on the EP this year. One of these songs is the single ‘Twisted Minds’.
Following their single ‘Fool Outta Me’, and preceding ‘(Made It) Another Day’ and ‘Destiny Road’, ‘Twisted Minds’ is the band’s sophomore single. While ‘Fool Outta Me’ leans toward the hard rock bands of the 70s, ‘Twisted Minds’ brings a classic rock meets post-punk sound to the discography. Lying somewhere between The Doors and Black Sabbath, the single has the wistful musings of Jim Morrison with the sliding metal guitar of Tommy Iommi – although, in ‘Twisted Minds’, executed by the awesome Chris Zoupa.
While we can ride on the melodic rollercoaster of ‘Twisted Minds’ completely carefree with our hands in the air, this track retains a profoundness in the lyricism. Dranow explains that the song is “an energetic and cathartic song about the insanity of loving someone with an unhinged mind” – the chaotic and frenzied emotions perfectly captured in the heavy melody. Sincere, sentimental and brutally honest, ‘Twisted Minds’ leans toward the rock sounds of yesteryear but is highly relatable to audiences of all ages.
For more from Gary Dranow and the Manic Emotions check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
