The Driver Era: The band to see at Springfest
If you have been keeping up with Geneseo events, you may be aware of the anticipated arrival of Ross Lynch—the man of your childhood—at this year's SpringFest! While the actor/singer has made his mark on our Disney channel screens, some may be wondering where Lynch has traveled with his music since. Is he still in R5, the 2009 pop band entirely made of the Lynch siblings? Or has he gone solo, preparing to perform alone with merely a microphone and guitar?
The answer is—neither! While Lynch is no longer in a band with every sibling he can collect, he is not alone. Currently, he is part of a duo formed in 2018 known as The Driver Era—a band made of him and his brother, Rocky Lynch. Their alternative/pop-rock sound is bound to stick in the heads of SUNY Geneseo, and I hope you bought your tickets before proceeding with this review because after hearing their music for the first time, I have only good things to say.
In today’s day and age, it is evident that many artists are pumping out passionless projects for money and fame. What is endearing about The Driver Era is that they do not create with the intent of a broader appearance—their authenticity shines in their sound and lyrics. It is refreshing to hear pure love, something these two brothers share for making music in songs, and if you give them a listen, you will hear their passion for the art rather than the business.
With great rock instrumentals, verses that are pure ear candy, and lyrics you can feel beyond the soundwaves, The Driver Era has so much to offer. Ross Lynch, the younger brother you know and love, has an exceptional talent for writing catchy hooks and messages coming from a place of love and relationships. Not only that, but some lyrics tap into the subjects of religion, memorable locations, and driving—the band never stakes its identity in one idea.
To my dismay, The Driver Era is one of those pop-rock bands that doesn’t receive nearly enough recognition it deserves. With only 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify (and 55 million streams on their most popular song, “A Kiss”), the band leans towards “underground indie” status rather than the level of other popular bands. The Driver Era’s smaller audience, though, only reinforces the idea that this duo continues to create for the sake of passion rather than appeal—maybe there will be a day when more people take a turn from soulless music and take a “drive” into their discography.
Luckily for SUNY Geneseo students, the chance to hear this amazing band will be delivered to your doorstep! I am hoping The Driver Era cherry-picks my favorite songs: “Preacher Man,” “A Kiss,” “Malibu,” and “Fantasy—” all singles you should check out to hear catchy melodies, meaningful lyrics, and pleasing instrumentals. Give them a listen to all your regular musical streaming services or right at Geneseo on the Saratoga Field on May 4, 7:00 p.m. (with the purchase of tickets, of course).
Thumbnail photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons