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Michael Cavallo
On page 52
MUSIC
REVIEW
M
anic Drive’s fourth studio
release, VIP, marks a new era
for the band. While still
building on the electronic pop foundation
set by EPIC, Manic Drive display a notable
maturity throughout VIP, both musically
and lyrically.
Artist:
MANIC DRIVE
Album:
VIP
Rating:
Genre:
Pop, Pop Rock
For Fans Of:
OBB, Anthem Lights,
Group 1 Crew
Label:
BEMA Media
Band Website:
www.manicdrive.com
Reviewed by:
Leah St John
While there are some “fun” tracks (“Electric
feat. Trevor McNevan of TFK”, “Rhythm”),
a lot of the songs on VIP speak clearly
about faith and spirituality. Manic Drive
penned songs for this album that contain
some solid worshipful and heartfelt lyrics.
“How great Thou art, oh sings my
soul, my saviour God. How great
Thou art, on that old rugged cross.
You gave me a song to sing.”
(from “Song To Sing”)
The lyrics throughout the album are well
written, thoughtful, and memorable, and I
am sure they will resonate with listeners.
Overall, the album serves as a call to live
out your personal faith, and as a reminder
that we are all cherished by a loving God.
Musically speaking, this album is a lot fuller
than previous releases, with a wider range
44 > CHRISTIAN REVIEW
of musicality coming into play - layered
vocals, electric and acoustic guitars,
pounding drums, memorable and
infectious pop hooks, as well as strings,
horns, and keys . Perhaps most notable are
the funky, upfront, loud and booming
bass-lines, something that was lacking on
the band's previous release, EPIC. And
while this release is essentially made up of
electronic pop songs, the synth/electronic
parts within them don’t overthrow or
drown out the aforementioned musical
elements.
VIP includes some notable guest vocals by
Manwell Reyes from Group 1 Crew and
Trevor McNevan of TFK. Trevor’s part in
“Electric” was masterfully layered with
Shawn Cavallo’s (Manic Drive’s lead
vocalist) vocals, and Manwell Reyes’
presence added a definite Hip Hop vibe to
the title track, “VIP”.
Both musically and lyrically, VIP is the
band’s best release yet. Memorable songs
contain strong lyrics of faith and
spirituality, something that was present on
previous releases but never really took
center stage as much as on VIP.
I think anyone who listens to VIP will agree
that it is Manic Drive’s coming-of-age
album.