REVIEW: Rain City Drive – Things Are Different Now

If you’ve followed Rain City Drive for a while, it’s come clear that they’re definitely one of those bands that you know what you’re getting with each release; which is a great thing. Things Are Different Now is another great record in the rock-pop/post-hardcore sound that they’ve found their home in, albite bringing some grit back that I think was missing on their last outing.

Rain City Drive recently released their new album Things are Different Now!

In the first half of the record, we’re immediately hit with massive tunes Losing My Composure and Wish You the Best. Again, really honing in on the rock-pop sound they’re known for, with the catchy hooks and the big production.

Though, I want to touch on Wish You the Best as I think this is definitely a stronger moment in their discography as a whole. The main hook lyric is really strong as vocalist Matt McAndrew sings “I only wish you the best, even though you’re the worst. When I’m feelin’ depressed, I miss the way that it hurts”.

Thematically, covering the feeling knowing you want nothing to do with a person because they hurt you, but not wanting to forget them either. It’s relatable and an extremely strong topic that I think is going to make this song huge amongst the fanbase.

Still in the first half of the record is Concrete Closure, which sonically is a lighter, more summer feeling tune. Definitely honing in more in the pop realm, especially in the verses. This song is just filled with strong hooks that’ll get stuck in your head; McAndrews delivery in the second half of the verses and the choruses are easily highlights. This one discussing someone needing closure, but at the same time, they’re the one who keeps coming back to you.

In the latter half of the record, we have Aware; this one brings some fresh ideas to the table, while maintaining the bands roots and I think the contrast in sounds works really well. They bring in some funk style influences for the verses; bassist Colin Vieira absolutely demolishes on this one.

Later though, the tune actually brings back some of their heavier roots in the bridge, guitarists Weston Richmond and Felipe Sanchez really popping off with a groove that will have you headbanging. Even McAndrew ends the tune off with a nice grittier vocal as he yells “act like you own me now”.

To close out the record we have Sacrifice; this is a really cool one as the band takes their crack at a more cinematic closer. Only starting with piano under McAndrews soft vocals, but it slowly starts building with these massive drums, orchestral strings and horns.

Structurally, it’s different as well as it really doesn’t even have verses in the traditional sense. It really only has its intro, it’s main “would you sacrifice” hook, and its massive breakdown section. Which is probably the djentiest the band has tapped into, before closing it out with a synth outro.

Things Are Different Now is another great addition to the band’s discography, seeing the band lightly tap into some new influences and doing it well.

Contrary to the title, I wouldn’t say the record offers anything completely different from their previous outings but I do think it’s a step in the right direction. It really shines its brightest when the band is playing with their sound; I think if they committed to expanding upon what they’ve perfected and allowing more variety of influences, they’d be in a really special spot.

7.5/10

Blake Warford

October 10, 2024

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