Dial Drive Releases new EP: Burning Bridges!

I need to be up front that I’m already a big fan of this band. I’ve seen them many times and have played a show or two with them, but that should authenticate my opinion not invalidate it since I don’t go see bands I don’t like nor do I go out of my way to play shows with them. I’m also regularly pressing them for a chance to record a live album for them.

The songs are filled with killer rapid fire drum beats that I’ve come to know and love from Billy. The vocals are filled with hooks both in the main vocals and the in the harmonizing of the backing vocals. Musically its more than pop punk, more than skate punk, and more than emo punk. It’s a melding of all of them while also being totally unique and not sounding like anyone band of the bands they model themselves after: NOFX, Alkaline Trio, Face to Face, etc.

The opening song “Wake Up” has this rad effect part at the end of the second chorus that you just gotta hear for yourself. Lyrically, the song hits on themes of oppression and sacrifice with vivid imagery that matches the intensity of the music. The repeated "Wake up" throughout the song can be seen as a call to awareness, action, or awakening from a state of complacency or oppression. I’ll let you decide that for yourself.

“Bury Me” could fit right in with an Off With Their Heads album as it explores sadness and hopelessness as they convey a deep sense of emotional pain, isolation, and self-blame. the call to “bury me” hints at how the singer already feels unseen and alone, but how they also just want to really be gone for good instead of just an emotional sense.

The title track, “Burning Bridges” is another emotional torrent filled with a sense of frustration, confusion, and a yearning for a better life. There is an obvious toxic relationship or situation that has left them feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. They express a desire for independence and a longing for a safer and better place, but they are also conflicted about losing the connection with the other person or situation. It’s possible they are on the verge of making a significant change in their life, even if it means letting go of something that was once important to them. But being on the verge of and doing are two different things. The anguish is palpable. Makes me almost feel bad for enjoying the song.

So this isn’t available on vinyl or anything physical as I can tell, so get your ass over to Spotify and give them a listen or check out one of their songs on my punk rock playlist full of bangers.

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