By working hard and making clever use of the internet, the Dutch / Belgian trio Drive Like Maria managed to go far, even before this debut album was released. For example, they played in America with no more than a first demo in their pocket. But also the well-known producer John Congleton (Modest Mouse, Mountain, R. Kelly) and guest singer Janis Ian were simply approached via email and My Space
… and, to the surprise of the group members themselves, gave a positive answer. It is those names that give extra jeu to this album. Congleton ensured that the solid grooverock of Drive Like Maria splashed off the disc and Ian gives extra color to the vocals of drummer Nitzan Hoffmann in two songs. The group should let go of their audible heroes Queens Of The Stone Age a little more here and there, but otherwise there is nothing to criticize about this record by a club of musicians that, also in terms of fanaticism, definitely has the future. (MR)more
