Alt-rock band, Close Drive, has released their newest single, “Love Me in the Mornin’,” just in time for a seasonal summer anthem in the USA. Recorded at West Philly’s Little Brother Audio and flawlessly produced and mixed by Tyler Ripley, this thing bursts at the seams with long, carefree days and the nostalgia of fleeting moments. Pinned down by the sounds of ringing guitar riffs over layered guitar lines, the opening spearheads a vast and vibrant tapestry of sound. The easy-going drums move things at a steady pace yet produce a controlled feel of progression, including resonant, emotionally textured vocals that add depth and ambiance. The song feels like a joyride on a warm summer evening with the wind blowing through your hair and the sun setting in the distance.
“Sounds like a summer evening joyride with the wind blowing through the open windows, though it’s accompanied by something bittersweet,” is how Brandon Higgins, the band’s lead singer and guitarist, quotes the song: “I know autumn’s coming, baby, and I need you to come and save me.” What this all translates into is that feeling of trying to hang on to the joy of the best of times while having an understanding that you can’t live in the sun forever.
Close Drive recently played the release show for the EP at the basement stage of Underground Arts. A year after starting with the open mic and working their way up to filling 600-capacity rooms, Close Drive was already writing new songs. Enthusiasm and creativity exude from the band, and one can almost feel that they are riding some sort of wave of inspiration. Introducing the song with great enthusiasm was Berklee College of Music alum and Brandon’s brother, Will Higgins, who sent Brandon to the rest of the band.
“Will brought this song to us. The first line of it just fascinated us from the outset. The dreamy guitar tones and infectious melody made me start tracking this piece. I imagine the listener will be in the same boat from the moment the opening hits,” says Brandon. “This is a dynamic song, where the guitar intro will instantly impact the listener,” adds lead guitarist John Antoni. The verse will be much more laid back in this track, building up to an anthemic chorus. It’s one of those happy songs that, if you look deep enough, might have a much sadder meaning to it. Now, you can listen to it with participation and receive pleasure however you hear.”
Will Higgins, on reflecting about the process of writing the song, says, “‘Love Me In The Morning’ can be interpreted in many different ways, and I think that’s the beauty in songwriting. I’ve been trying to find one solid meaning since I can relate many other parts of my life to this song. There’s love, desperation, hopefulness, and fear baked into every other breath of this song, and I think it can relate to different stages in one’s relationship.”
Drummer Kevin Sullivan chimes in, sharing how the song evokes fond memories. “This song is meant to be listened to on a sunny road trip, at the beach, or wherever you find joy in the summer months. It personifies the nostalgia related to summer and what it feels like to be in love. The process of creating an emotional connection during a season that is unforgettable while never wanting to let go of the memories.”
“Love Me in the Mornin'” by Close Drive is a song through which they seem to want to capture the very essence of summer. It’s a number which, though upbeat in terms of musicality, manages to convey with it a feeling of wistfulness: a happy realisation that all good things must come to an end. So roll down those windows, turn it up, let yourself go with Close Drive, and it will be a ride you won’t soon forget.
You can find more of Close Drive at:
You can listen to ‘Love Me In The Mornin” below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.