DOUBLEDRIVE
"1000 Yard Stare"
(MCA/Universal; 1999)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
By blurring the edges of hard rock and alternative metal
this Atlanta-based quartet have cut huge riffs that are used to construct songs that are
catchy, aren't too complex, or too simple. Achieving the delicate balance of craft and
songs is a difficult task, but doubleDrive seem well on their way to making a name for
themselves. The band is at its best when it rocks out. Like their hometown compatriots
Sevendust, doubleDrive are at the top of their game when they are able to stick to a
simple formula of riff-driven songs that carry both emotion and vocal melodies.
The vocals are delivered with force. Although this refreshing delivery is becoming in
vogue once again, doubleDrive seem to have a knack for utilizing catchy chorus refrains
atop their solid if unspectacular verses. The lack of screaming is a breath of fresh air
in which many bands seem content to "pick a note and scream." Vocalist Donnie
Ray Hamby tastefully chooses his spots to let out a vicious wail or piercing yell - the
appropriateness of the spots give the music a more cathartic
release.
The best songs include "Belief System," "Dressed For Light,"
"Smaller," the title track, and "Tattooed Bruise (Here And There)." A
cover of Wall Of Voodoo's "Mexican Radio" is most perplexing, yet oddly
satisfying; this '80s hit redressed for the new millenium is an appropriate send-off for
the growing genre of melodic hard rock as this song in 1982 combined the unlikely
combination of dance music and punk.
The band stumbles when it slows the pace down. The band struggles to avoid mediocrity with songs like "Vamp" in which the band sounds a bit ordinary (yet the vocal line is infectious). Songs such as "Hell" and "Reason" just don't have the kick the rest of the disc has.
All in all, "1000 Yard Stare" is a decent debut for a band that seems to be giving an honest try at making hard rock melodic and enjoyable.
"1000 Yard Stare" was produced by produced by doubleDrive. Mixing talent was provided by Kevin Shirley (Judas Priest, Aerosmith, Nuno Bettencourt).
doubleDrive is Donnie Hamby on vocals, Troy McLawhorn on guitar, Joshua Sattler on bass, and Mike Froedge on drums.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 1999 by R. Scott Bolton. All
rights reserved.
Revised: 04 Mar 2024 13:27:28 -0500
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