ALBUM REVIEW: Things Are Different Now – Rain City Drive

The highly anticipated new album from RAIN CITY DRIVE is finally here. Things Are Different Now sees the band take another step outside the box, continuing to push genre boundaries. The band only formed in 2020 but they have multiple successful albums under their belt already and are going from strength to strength. This album exudes deep emotions and fearlessness when experimenting with genres. Though the band are rooted in post-hardcore they also deliver plenty of songs that veer closer to a pop-rock sound, and it’s clear they had a lot of fun and creative freedom on this record while expressing raw emotion in poetic lyrics.

Lose My Composure is an emphatic opening track that takes no prisoners. While having the recognisable RCD sound there are already hints of boundaries being pushed. This is also a complete earworm that will stick with the listener for days. The album as a whole demonstrates emotional vulnerability, with themes of heartache, regret and anger. Given these strong sentiments, it could offer some catharsis to many who give it a listen. Despite this, it is still undeniably ‘fun’ to hear how the band use gang vocals and claps in their songs. These inclusions make it easy to envision a crowd forgetting about the world outside and getting lost in the moment. Or maybe just an individual belting it out on their own. 

The single Medicate Me, released in April of this year and featuring Rory Rodriguez of DAYSEEKER, currently sits at over 15 million streams on Spotify. The combination of both vocalists works so well on this track while adding depth to the message of the song. With smooth transitions into the heavy drops, it’s no wonder it has amassed so many streams already.

In this latest era of RAIN CITY DRIVE, electrifying pop-rock influences can be heard across Things Are Different. The combination of synths with thrashing guitars is nothing new to post-hardcore, however the influence of BRING ME THE HORIZON comes to mind when listening to how RCD have chosen to implement these components, particularly on Disarm The Hour Glass where the expected heaviness is paired with a fast-paced dance tempo that makes for a stellar track. The production of this album cannot be overlooked either. With so many contrasting components, from instruments to vocal styles, the entire record flows seamlessly from one track to the next without losing immersion in its story.

The closing track Sacrifice begins with soft minor piano notes that create an ominous build. As a closing track, it’s perfect, bringing in those soaring vocals, heavy riffs and drum beats to get your heart rate up one last time. Structurally the album feels like the grief process after a break-up or a personal loss. Letting their creativity fly as a band, vocalist Matthew McAndrew is set on reminding anyone who listens that his voice is something to be revered, demonstrating his vocal range and ability to go from soft emotional verses to absolutely belting out high notes in choruses.

RAIN CITY DRIVE have amassed 150 million streams worldwide. With the release of Things Are Different Now and their upcoming European tour supporting DAYSEEKER this winter, those numbers are set to soar.

Rating: 9/10

Things Are Different Now is set for release on September 27th via Thriller Records.

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