REDLINE DRIVE – Friction (2016)

Young quintet REDLINE DRIVE are another proof that something is changing in the US Rock scene. Hailing from the Dallas, Texas area, these guys are presenting their debut “Friction“, a hard rockin’ 6-track EP recapturing the ’80s essence.

Founded in late-February 2012 by vocalist / songwriter Scott Kimes with the help of Septien Entertainment Group (founded by nationally known Vocal and Artist Development coach Linda Septien) the aim was bring together a band in the style of the iconic ’80s classic hard rock bands we all remember and love.
The direction was to find something unique and outside the generic radio rock heard today in the US and bring back to it rock songs full of feeling and inspiration.

After The Rockin Red Carpet Tour supporting Vince Neil Band all over the states, Redline Drive was picked up to play Dallas shows in October 2012 with Tracii Guns (former guitarist of Guns N’ Roses and LA Guns).
2013 brought personal challenges and member line-up changes, and the band took a bit of a hiatus. Kimes kept the dream alive and put together a new band of wayward rock and roll sons: guitar players Brad McCain & Johnny Stallion, Carlos Silva on bass guitar and Drew Dye from Tuscaloosa Alabama on drums, achieving undeniable chemistry.

Summer of 2015 was a big year for Redline Drive, by releasing their first single “I’ll Wait For You”, a power ballad in the vein of Cinderella also included in this EP.
After supporting Michael Sweet (Stryper) shows, and playing at Gexa Pavilion Dallas TX with Tesla, Styx and Def Leppard as main acts, Redline Drive entered into the studio tu cut this EP, released by themselves.

Opening with the swaggering ‘Cowgirl Up’, the guys follow with the pure ’80s Sunset Strip hard / glam of ‘She Makes Me Lose It’, both tracks full of energy and melody
‘I’ll Wait for You’ is the aforementioned ballad with a Cinderella / early Tesla feel yet the guys inject their own personal touch to it.
‘Redline’ rock with lots of groove and ‘that’ gang backing vocals during the chorus, ‘Black Soul Woman’ is the more melodic hard rock oriented tune with catchy verses and great guitar work, then ‘Fly’ has a mid-tempo, bass pumping drive atmosphere so typical (and lovely) to the glorious era, even with some AOR on it.

Redline Drive surprises with mature songwriting and musicianship bringing back melody and feel-good hard rock music to the US scene.
Despite of being still unsigned, Redline Drive’s “Friction” is superbly produced and executed. This band / first release reminds me the era when novel bands were crafted & shaped by big recording label teams to create a truly professional product with attention to detail.
Redline Drive has the right focus, and I am sure they will be picked up by a specialized label in the near future.
Highly Recommended.

1 – Cowgirl Up
2 – She Makes Me Lose It
3 – I’ll Wait for You
4 – Redline
5 – Black Soul Woman
6 – Fly

Scott Kimes – Vox / Acoustic Guitar
Brad McCain – Guitars
Johnny Stallion – Guitars / Backing Vox
Carlos Silva – Bass / Backing Vox
Drew Dye – Drums / Percussion / Backing Vox

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BMXZMRE
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