Caamp – Drive (2025)
Almost immediately after stepping into the US folk music scene, Ohio fivesome Caamp quickly distinguished themselves as trailblazers with an alternative folk sound. Founded in 2016, the US-based lads have shared their eclectic melodies with audiences, winning hearts with their live performances, and turning heads on an international scale. In fact, their 2025 single ‘Let Things Go’ made waves with a Top 5 Billboard chart entry. Join us as we delve into the latest addition to their discography, ‘Drive’.
On the heels of the well-received EP Somewhere, ‘Drive’ is described by frontman Taylor Meier as “a kind of spirit song for the record and new era…” Which record, I hear you ask. Well, the upcoming, highly anticipated Copper Changes Color, set for release later this year. As a taster to the new full-length album, ‘Drive’ draws together elements of old-school indie-folk, indie-rock, and a dash of alternative rock lingering in the background.
Listening to Somewhere, ‘Drive’ might be considered a pivotal point in Caamp’s musical journey; however, the eclecticism of their folk-inspired sound makes me question whether it is an evolution or just something they decided to try without any plans of it diverging from the Caamp sound. Either way, the smooth blend of multi-instrumentalist Evan Westfall, bassist Matt Vinson, and keyboardist Joseph Kavalec, alongside Meier’s rough vocals, resounds in a soothing, gentle rush of sound set to calm even the most chaotic mind.
Produced with Tucker Martine, listening to ‘Drive’ is more than just a harmonic melody; it encapsulates a palpable vulnerability within the driving rhythm. Grasping you in a warm embrace, each instrument has richness, but it is the fragility of Meier’s voice that, somehow, prompts an intricate journey into the human heart. This might be my introduction to Caamp, but ‘Drive’ makes me feel they are old friends sharing a tender moment instead of new acquaintances with awkward greetings.
In addition to the single, Caamp released an official music video for ‘Drive’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Caamp on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
Listen to more indie-folk melodies on The Other Side Reviews Indie Folk playlist:
