Driveways latest EP 'Into The Past' shatters expectations

If there's any band that encapsulates the aura and atmosphere of the spooky, mysterious, and haunting month of October, it's Driveways.

Driveways are prestigiously known to release an EP or album every October. Year after year, the band has raised expectations with their musical production, themes and narratives, and extensive lyric imagery. This year is no different. Driveways have shown their progressiveness, attention to detail, and thematic evolution with their new EP Into The Past.

Into The Past:

“Into The Past”, as the EP's title track, is a perfect introduction to this new era of Driveways. The synth wave introduction served with a side of nostalgia from previous tracks Driveways has produced lyrically is a breath of fresh air. The band picks up on a distinct narrative of the impression that the past is inescapable and they are trapped in its grasp. This track opens up the cemetery gates into what is Into The Past.

Salem:

It's only fitting for a band from Massachusetts to write a song with the title “Salem”. The second track of this EP is full of rhythmic melodies, heart-thumping drum tracks, and a headbanging outro straight out of 2003. This song describes being judged for your previous sins and having no way to escape your past mistakes. 

Ambulances:

“Ambulances” is one of the more anthemic songs of this EP. Slow, melodic, and full of grace, this track does all it can to give you goosebumps. “Ambulances” is quick to pick up the pace in the chorus, showcasing the progressive abilities of Driveways. This song is a perfect example of the band’s dexterity. It seems as if they’re able to look into the past and improve upon some of their signature sounds, symbolic of the theme of this year's record.

Lions on The Beach:

Delving into a more fast-paced song, Lions on The Beach is a true return to the form of the band’s earlier works such as 2020’s October Forever album. Lead singer Pat Finnigan truly shows off his vocal abilities with incredible harmonies and background vocals to contrast high notes that give you a haunted aura surrounding your headphones. If you want to headbang on your commute to work, this is the song for you.

Lights on Long Island:

“Lights on Long Island” was the first single of this EP to debut earlier this Fall season. With a symbolic reference to F. Scott. Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”, the Lights on Long Island represent a narrative of never giving yourself the chance to let the love of your life go. As an English Language Arts teacher, this track is most appreciated.

Pandemonium:

“Pandemonium” is one beautifully haunting track. With melodic guitars, pianos, and haunting lyrics, one can only pull out their lighter and wave it to the midnight sky while listening. This track hints at anticipation anxiety and the fear that builds when haunting memories persist in your head. In reference to 2020’s October Forever, it seems like some narrative cues are reminiscent of mental health and being haunted by the memories within the walls of your home.

Fog Machines:

The 1970s called, and they’re jealous of this track. “Fog Machines” opens up with an incredible synth wave like that of the theme of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things. As a progressive take on the bands’ musical progression, this song is a perfect mix of the old and the new, opening up a fresh door for the bands’ creative outlook. Driveways is experimenting with new sounds while staying true to form with their incredible guitar and drum tracks, cutting through the synths and grasping your attention.

Burning Bright:

Nothing lasts forever. There isn’t an exception to this EP, but you can certainly put it on repeat. As the final track of this ep, “Burning Bright” is a perfect symbolic ending to this incredibly narrative work of art. As like every closing song Driveways put at the end of their albums, this song’s anthemic and dramatic closure is the perfect send-off for this year’s release. With throwbacks to lyrics from previous releases, screaming vocals, and haunting echos, the band is sure to be burning bright in the spotlight after the release of this ep.

Stream Driveway's latest EP Into The Past on Spotify Friday, October 28 by clicking here!