Singer/songwriter Gary Dranow comes to us with an exciting and diverse set of skills, including equestrian-turned-motocross champion, clothing line entrepreneur, and well-regarded ski instructor. And this love for fully investing himself – and reinventing himself – throughout various professions is the sort of dedication and self-exploration found in his longest and most consistent pursuit: music. With “Never Give Up,” the eponymous track from Dranow’s latest EP, his adaptive talent, smarts, and experience are immediately on display, granting a more restrained offering from his dynamic, genre-inclusive catalog. Let’s talk about it.
“Never Give Up” is definitely a smoother, roots-rock, country crossover endeavor. Its foundation is layered acoustic guitars, bass, an acoustic drum kit, occasional, and very clean, electric guitar flourishes, and, I believe, subtle synth-strings to fill any aural cracks and crevices.
Gary Dranow’s voice is soft, familiar; it’s a little like Don Henley, but with a different brand of subtle gravel. And it’s definitely the perfect voice to deliver this sort of pleasant, observant, and organic rock.
What we’re digging….
I’m a fan of the smooth female vocal accompaniment that effectively uplifts the chorus. And that electric guitar solo around 2:37? Tasteful, classically dirty, and skillfully sharing another expressive, world-wise tone.
And when the song ends, it’s the beauty of sparsity – it’s simply the acoustic guitar and Dranow’s final comforting vocal.
But is it good?
Like Dranow’s spectrum of successful endeavors, “Never Give Up” is another green mark on the resume. It’s pure rock and consciously translated feeling; it’s soft-spoken but assertive, reserved but reaching out. If you like music that knows its roots – that seems to know you – Gary Dranow’s latest release will surely and immediately connect. Recommended.
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BELOW: Listen to Gary Dranow and check him out on Bandcamp. Please support Gary Dranow by visiting him online and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music
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