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DRAVEN, 100 Club, London, 30 April 2009


With production by Kevin 'Caveman' Shirley and already some decent reviews, there are high hopes for Draven's debut album 'Eden'. And judging by this album launch at the intimate 100 Club on Oxford Street, some of that is well founded.

The gig had been made free entry if you signed up in advance so was well attended by an already established fanbase.

The music, a fluctuating mix of classic / epic rock and alternative rock, largely sits very well, with twins and twin guitarists/vocalists Frank and Jim Paoli leading energetically. I thought the look of neckscarf and flares had gone out, but obviously not.

A stringed intro gave way to the album opener 'Blitz', with the backing of radio news reel type commentary slightly distracting.

The title track was dedicated to a friend who had died in a car crash, a solid slower number with a gothic grunge feel. Tracks from the debut went down well; “I Don't Care” is a power metal ballad with an alternative feel, and excellent guitar solo, and “Fight” more trad metal, nodding at a chugging thrash.

The look and feel of this feel of this 4 piece is of Led Zeppelin without the blues, and occasionally big AOR vocal harmonies over an alternative rock rhythm. The more alternative songs weren't so gripping, but when they played it epic hard rock, they really do rock. Even when the piano adds a Beatles / Britpop feel on “Breathe”, it's thoroughly enjoyable.

Performed with a smile and banter too; expect bigger things.


Review by Joe Geesin