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EP REVIEW: Engloria - Drive
By Cyrus Rhodes - 02/23/2012 - 02:34 PM EST

Artist: Engloria
Album: Drive (EP)
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/engloria
Genre: Alternative Pop/Rock
Sounds Like: Death Cab for Cutie, The White Stripes, Thieves & Villains
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 8/10
Overall Talent Level: 7/10
Songwriting Skills: 8/10
Performance Skill: 8/10
Best Songs: Out of Love
Weakness: Short Sided EP
CD Review:

Schenectady, New York’s own Engloria just released their latest 3 song EP entitled Drive in 2012. Their debut EP Sundown was released in 2011 and this 4 piece band is making a name for themselves around the New York area with their powerful live performance, regional airplay, and Internet Radio Success.

The EP kicks things off with the title track "Drive" a hooky, mid-tempo guitar driven intro piece that makes a good first impression. Right from the start this upbeat modern day version of Gin Blossoms delivering catchy melodies, creative lyrical content, hooky guitar ambiance and a grand slam chorus. Track 2: "Out of Love” is probably my favorite track on the EP shifts gears a bit with its slow moving rock rhythm against thought provoking lyrical content and heartfelt vocal delivery that flow and ebbs it’s way thought to emotional fruition. The music presents a modern-day blend of Alternative Rock, and Indie Pop. All members play their instruments well  but this EP gives you a real glimpse of vocalist James Stewart is capable of. His vocal melodies and harmonies are well crafted, well placed, and extremely creative. His vocals are warm, captivating, and go down clean. I might add he takes some impressive vocal risks throughout the EP as well indicating a strong and confident vocal ability. At the end of the day it's obvious this band is just having a lot of fun with it, as evident by their live clips, and upbeat songs. The EP ends with Track 3 “Made for You” the perfect finale statement for an EP of this caliber.

I wish the EP had say 2 or 3 more tracks on it. Just when I was getting emotionally involved in the experience - it was over. Most Industry Standard EP’s nowadays come with at least 5 tracks - to really seal the deal as a musical teaser.  Engloria has a lot of potential – but it’s fair to say a Full Length CD is overdue for them. 

Overall this is a solid EP by Engloria. They are a fun band to listen to, and no doubt a blast to check out live. They give off the typical fun, carefree “sing songy” vibe reminiscent of bands like the The White Stripes, Panic at the Disco, Gin Blossoms and even Death Cab for Cutie. Each song is well crafted, and the EP as a whole possesses a lot of musical variety. The strong suit of this band is clearly front man James Stewart. He clearly has the look, the mojo, and the sex appeal (vocals to visuals) needed to make him the premier talent within the band. Engloria has a lot of potential – but it’s fair to say they need a Full Length CD is needed in their portfolio this year. Having said that I look forward to hearing their full length CD soon.




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