EP Review/ Alt Rock : University Drive’s ‘First Stage Separation’

University Drive is an alt rock band from Scranton. Their soundscapes are marked by boldness that they create with driving beats, atmospheric riffs, deep basslines and stormy vocals. They explore alt rock as a neo modern genre, inspired as their sound is by the 90s hard rock, some emo with a modern, imaginative kick. Their latest release is ‘First Stage Separation EP’, a five-track collection that keeps you deeply immersed and involved in the thick of the theme. There is alt rock sludge around you and it is not only the best thing in the world but it feels exhilarating to be a part of soundscapes that are so alive. All around you. The will to play, and to perform authentically is what makes this band so easy to love and praise. 

The collection opens with ‘Forget Me, Not’. With its heartache-inspired intensity and its dark atmospheres portray  many versions of the feeling. The attachment, the connection, the goodbye, and the memories. These feelings are explored with an inexplicable tongue. One that you understand more as music then you would as words. With this track, they introduce the depth at which their music forms. In ‘Hollow Sweetness’, there seems to be a little bit more of a discordant expression. An intensity that bends symmetry when it becomes more and more powerful. It is ghostly, yet there are moments of softness and sweetness. With these delicate contrasts, they put together an alternative concept that is original. 

‘Spin Out’, true to its title, is loaded with momentum-intensive motifs, circular rhythms, and brow-beating beats that spin you out. The beats slap, the riffs shimmer, and the vocals create a network of empathy and understanding that makes you feel seen and validated, especially if you’re in a spin out. Which is most days if you’re in your 20s. ‘All the Way Down’ is an interlude of sorts, one that leads you into the band’s more melodic and slower spaces. The sound is just a feeling, flowing in its most natural state, expression for the sake of it! 

‘Decades Lost’ picks it up again. With dark winding roads of guitar chords, dramatic bass lines, and ticking riffs, the song is kind of haunting, going into the ghosts of time that is lost. Dressing up themes of regret with a peak and a depth that is frankly startling; and brilliant because of it! ‘Final Flash’ is the last song of the EP. It is an alt rock best. Starting off and building with a tight momentum, the song is packed well, full of that symmetry that keeps amassing energy. And then as you get towards the end, it gets lofty and expansive, so fantastically into that final flash. That peak is given to the listener so generously to have, hold and carry with them. Listen Now! 

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The EP is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! 

You can listen to ‘First Stage Separation EP’ by University Drive here -