Novadriver - A Deeper High
- Released: 2005
- Label: Small Stone Recordings
- Rating:
Small Stone Records is one of those labels that seems to release nothing but quality albums on a continuous basis. I’ve been a fan of the stuff these guys have been releasing since I heard Dixie Witch’s One Bird, Two Stones a few years back and since then, I’ve almost never been disappointed with a Small Stone release. So naturally, when Novadriver’s A Deeper High arrived in my mailbox, I expected some good old rock and roll from the Small Stone camp…and that’s exactly what I got.
Straight out of Detroit Rock City, Novadriver’s A Deeper High is deeply influenced by the sounds of classic rock and roll, but I also sense a little of the mid-90’s alternative influence as well. For example…if Ted Nugent and The Stone Temple Pilots were to jam together, right after The Pilots released Core, that would be a fairly good indication of Novadriver’s sound. They are deeply rooted in the old school, but are totally unafraid to shake things up with a modern edge every now and then.
Much like their old school heroes, Novadriver excels in writing an album full of quality songs that does nothing but rock your arse from start to finish. None of the tracks can really be singled out for analysis, as all of them feature their own special touch from the Novas. Songs like the title track, “You Want Yours, You Want Mine” and the epic duo closer of “Blackout” and “Whiteout” are all right on par with one another, but not in a repetitive sense.
Basically, this is one of those albums that’s very easy to listen to from the beginning until the very end. If you’re having friends over to drink some beers, hit the keef, and chill out for a while, play this album. If you’re going on a road trip to Las Vegas or even to the band’s hometown of Detroit, play this album. It’s the perfect companion piece for these types of situations, but more importantly, it’s rock and roll the way it should be.
Novadriver is a band I’ll definitely be listening to again, and if you like your rock fast, loud, and groovin’...you’d better listen to them as well. Check them out at Small Stone’s site and enjoy.
Link: smallstone.com
Josh | 06/21/2006