After several decades of being in the game, St. Paul- based Rock and eclectic powerhouse Radio Drive has been making his way across the musical landscape far and wide, amassing new fans just about everywhere he goes, and not to mention, has graced our platform here in the past. And if it’s one thing we’ve learned about him, it’s that he always knows how to step up the bar each time. And he has done just that with his latest monumental effort “Cast Out Your Light”.
This anthemic and chorus-driven tune plays out like chapters in a book. Starting off with pretty piano measures and ambient guitar swells, the buildup into the vocals and strings really add subtle yet effective foreshadowing into the more gain- driven guitars and snare driven tempos and melodies; all just to bring that subtlety right back as a pre chorus that leads into the full blown chorus. It’s this formula that truly encapsulates Radio Drive’s aura and ambience when it comes to song structure, balance, as well as composure, his compositions are very big in their execution and his use of chorus really draws in your undivided attention. If this is your first time hearing him in his full glory, then this will definitely be the track for you.
This is also the type of a song that’ll keep you coming back for more; perhaps delving further into his discography both past, present and future. RD has a lot more on the horizon and it’s a promising one to say the least. You’ll absolutely love this newest anthem. You can hear “Cast Out Your Light” on Spotify, iTunes and several other streaming platforms. You’ll be glad that you did.
Emerging from the Minneapolis/St. Paul music scene, Alt-Indie recording artist and multi musician Kevin Gullickson (known under his solo monicker Radio Drive) has been writing, recording and releasing his own dynamic breed of eclectic Rock/Pop-oriented material since launching his solo career in 2008. Since then, he has undoubtedly hit the ground running and has amassed an impressive name for himself since emerging into the market; putting out an array of albums and releases at a frequent pace and constantly innovating his signature sound and stylization. He has received numerous glowing reviews and critical acclaim since his inception; receiving an array of airplay on several local and regional radio stations both in the US and Canada for his 2009 album Dream The Impossible, his sophomore 2010 follow up record Life Today as well as his subsequent release I Can See The World From Here. His release Life Today also hit the Top 40 charts on CJSW Radio in Calgary.
Fast forward to 2022 and Radio Drive has brought his inventive and cohesive sound full circle with his newest dynamic 4-track EP One Breath Away, comprised of some of Kevin Gullickson’s best work and most notable tracks to date. Each song is carefully crafted with fine detail, several coherent layers and a signature sound that touches on equal parts originality and familiarity; delivering a solid performance that brilliantly incorporates Rock and Pop elements from older more classic flavors and today’s more modern sensibility. It’s not only a record for fans of the classics, but also for today’s hungry music fans searching for the next fresh take on the genres they have come to love. Fresh from the EP, the song “Be Yourself Tonight” diligently encapsulates the aura and atmosphere that this particular record gives off. It’s a minor scaled piano-driven tune with layers of complimenting clean guitars and a cohesive rhythm section to tie it all together. Kevin’s mid-to-high range vocals are very magnetic and anthemic, encompassing a style that cross breeds Rock vocalists like Sting and Coldplay’s Chris Martin. His melody choices are not just coherent, but brilliantly arranged and executed. His upper third harmonies in the second verse and octaves in the chorus are immediate standouts in this song and really demonstrate Kevin’s ability both as a singer and songwriter. This track will easily impress anyone upon first listen.
Another notable track on this EP is the more upbeat “I Believe I Believe”, a song with several impressive instrumental layers and a dangerously catchy title hook. Definitely the sing-along track of the record, this nostalgic track has surprises around every corner ranging from heavier crunchy guitars, a female chorus of background vocals, violins/strings and an anchor hook that will likely stick in your head like glue. This track definitely has staying power, and will stick with you even long after it’s over. “Don’t You Know” is another track with beautiful string layers and really showcases more of Kevin’s vocal range and arrangements. This Rock number has a nostalgic 90s feel that sounds like a song directly imported from that era. This ridiculously catchy song has shades of REM throughout the track’s duration and the glistening harmonies in the chorus’s “don’t you know, don’t…you know” will be stuck in your head for weeks. Lastly, the acoustic-oriented “Moment By Moment” is the final track and is an anthem all about life and living in that important moment, day by day, hour by hour. This feel-good track is a straightforward song with some tasty three part harmonies and really has that oldies vibe going on, but still has that same innovative signature that Radio Drive is known for. This track fits on this record like a glove and really ties Kevin’s sound together into a tightly wrapped package, with the bow and all.
Altogether, One Breath Away is a record for those seeking that dose of nostalgia, but still being able to indulge in that modern twist that we frequently hear with today’s more contemporary artists. Every track could easily be a radio hit, and the production value diligently parallels the performance value from beginning to end. Kevin Gullickson serves up a tasty platter of Alt-Indie songs on this EP with several key elements in each one offering a more cohesive finish product in whole. It’s a record that will easily capture new fans, satisfy old ones, and entice any listener to dive into Radio Drive’s impressive discography – as well as stay up to date on future releases as well. This is an absolute must-hear in every way.
One Breath Away is available now on Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes and several other digital music streaming platforms. You’ll be more than glad you gave it a listen.
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