When a music genre becomes a commercial success, it ignites a flood of bands searching their ways into success as well. Everyone knows that the roots of Stoner Rock are in the past, in the turn of the 60s to the 70s, when the cauldron of music was boiling so hot that many bands released albums that became cornerstones for such genres (even when the bands didn’t know or care about such fact). But names as CATHEDRAL, SOUNDGARDEN, MONSTER MAGNET, C.O.C., TROUBLE and some others helped Stoner Rock/Metal to breed new bands. One of them is the Dutch quartet DRIVE BY WIRE, here with its new full-length, “Time Horizon”.

The hands of Peter van Elderen were hired to produce the album, and as usual, the sonority shown is something rough and organic to give the band’s music the right appeal. But it sounds defined as well, and with everything on its right place, earning the fans to understand the band’s musical work. In the middle of many bands of the genre, the quartet shows some personality due it’s hooking melodic appeal on the songs, with very good choruses and melodies tempering their filthy arrangements, and massive doses of groove can be heard as well (as heard on the greasy “Northern Lights”). It’s not a sin to say that they drank on the sources of SOUNDGARDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS, but on this release are depicting a strong personality. Yes, they’re pretty good, indeed.

The album’s songs are fruits of the hiatus given to the world due the Covid-19 pandemic, so no one can complain that they’re not mature or are just thrown into the ears of anyone. And their power can be felt on moments as “Northern Lights” (a strong and melodic Stoner Rock song driven by simple and catchy guitar riffs), “Slowrider” (the song chosen for the official video, a Stoner Metal/Hard Rock with elements inherited of BLACK SABBATH’s melodic moments and a strong groove, with massive weight unleashed by bass guitar and drums), “Elements” (a Dream/Space Rock song filled with a noir feeling and many introspective parts with good vocals), “Dustfader” (a frantic song with an abrasive Punk Rock feeling in some moments), and “Time Horizon”. But all the songs are very good.

“Time Horizon” is a good release, showing that DRIVE BY WIRE is a band that is above the flood of ‘midterm’ bands of the genre.