Manic Drive Rest & Rewind Whiplash Records Rock 10-23-2007

SCORE 87%

Manic Drive brothers Shawn and Michael Cavallo began their musical adventures at the ages of 7 and 8, self-producing 4 of their own projects before 2005’s provocative Whiplash debut. Their highly stylistic sophomore effort keeps the creativity flowing, melding elements of metal, blues, and even classical to the mix. Howling rock opener “NYC Gangsters” may not snag your attention, but hold on for the more compelling subtleties of rock ballad “Eleven Regrets,” the eloquently arranged layered vocals wrestling with issues of self.

Hints of Spanish guitar add interest to the tight rhythms and textures of “Dance Floor,” and yes, that is Kevin Max under the industrial tones and aggressive guitars of “Blue.” It’s straight-up petal-to-the-nu-metal on the frenetic screecher, “Obvious,” calling out the posers in the Christian market for all the wrong reasons. I enjoyed the warm delivery with label-mate Jill Parr on “Hope,” a passionate plea for action over big guitars. But things really heat up on the unique and lovely “December Mourning,” aching with loss. The track brims over with intelligent sonic touches, cleverly weaving in a few measures of bells from the classic holiday song, “Silver Bells,” amidst the lush guitars and layered vocals. Moments like these show the potential genius of Manic Drive.

Thick guitar riffs meet sparkling keys in the angst-ridden “Better Man,” examining the puzzles of love, and the frenetic phrasing of “Addiction” illustrates well the chaos of addiction. Loss is again the theme of the soaring, airy “Change,” while “L.O.V.E.” expresses personal faith through howling vocals and lumbering guitars with bluesy undertones. The Manic Drive team keeps up a frenetic pace of creativity and energy throughout, while framing their spiritual conversation in lyrics both meaningful and interesting. Slammin’ rock track “The End” again spills over with personality, and the melodic closer, piano ballad “The Inventor,” showcases Shawn Cavallo’s wide range of vocals and sensitivity. The evocative chorus is stark with emotion and open vulnerability: “Could You tell me Your name, O Great Inventor/Would it be the same if I know/Could You show me Your plan/No I can’t understand what You do.”

The thing I enjoy is that Manic Drive never backs away from the Mystery. Viva la exploration!