August 20 2013 – We reviewed the CD 3D by D Drive and really liked what we heard (that review is right here). Today we had the opportunity to finally see this elusive band live. Lockport NY which is about half an hour east of Niagara Falls has the most incredible free outdoor concert series called the Labatts’ Canal Concert Series. Kansas, Jason Bonham, TimeGiant and Rik Emmett just to name a few of the acts there. Whoever put such a major summer concert series in a town of 20,000 must be applauded – those are bigger names than even Toronto gets. Road Trip!!
D Drive hit a melodic rock high that was a perfect accompaniment to the gently setting summer sun. The band found their stride from the get go and did not relent in their musical massacre. Opening up for Rik Emmett (whose band Triumph has sold a gazillion records and were rock staples on MTV) might be thought of as a tough slot for most bands. D Drive not only had a ton of their own fans out for support they won over a large number of new fans.
The combination of high school friends Don Mancuso and Phil Naro on guitar and vocals respectively was a major coup for the band that reminded why it is so important to have such a talented duo leading the charge. Not to be outdone J.T Taylor was a machine on bass and Bobby Bond was insane on the drums providing a hard rocking yet smooth rhythm section. Finally second guitarist David Sessions rounded out the sound to its perfect blend.
The setlist was a silky smooth transition of songs ranging from hard rockers to near ballads but clearly the band’s most powerful songs are Dig Down and Down Deep (whats up with all the D’s guys??) which were reserved for the end of the show. Why read our words when you can simply watch Dig Down on YouTube here.
Watching D Drive was like discovering a hidden gem one that we hope leaves their confines of Rochester a bit more often and graces Toronto stages with their modern yet nostalgic brand of melodic hard rock. Do not miss out this band when they play Toronto’s The Rockpile on August 31st! Note we have a video interview of the band coming up very shortly.
D Drive website is here and is worth checking out the setlist tonight was as follows:
1. Diamond Star Halo 2. Build My Castle 3. Next Train 4. Chains On You 5. Little Bitta Sunshine 6. Straight Up The Middle 7. Down Rotten Dirty 8. Down Deep 9. Dig Down 10. Dues/Sink Your Teeth
Verdict: We drove 5 hours (back and forth) from Toronto to Lockport to watch D Drive (and Rik Emmett) and were so delighted we did so. A great summer night and an opportunity to finally see D Drive were a great experience. TORONTO DO NOT MISS D DRIVE.
Excellent job guys!! Awesome writing. Cool video.. was great hangin with you and look forward to seeing you in TO!!!
peace
dee