The Driver Era's "X"

(Source: Spotify)

First things first, I'll like to say this categorically: I do not have a dirty mind. I have friends who have no problem turning the most innocuous string of words into a sex joke. Not me. In fact, those jokes fly right over my head.

So, when I tell you that The Driver Era's "X" was a piece of sensual, sexual music, take my word for it.

I came across The Driver Era by mistake; a recommendation by Spotify after I checked out a now-forgotten band. I recognised Ross Lynch in the band's profile picture, and I tapped the icon out of sheer curiosity.

What was the kid from Austin and Ally doing now? That was the question that crossed my mind as I tapped the icon and the band's page came up.

At that time—it's changed now—"Afterglow" was their most streamed track. Therefore, I decided to go at it. No regrets. At all. “Afterglow” was a seductive song. The music trickled into my ears and my hands paused on my keyboard, mind drawn from the novel I painstakingly crafted to the low, enthralling bass line.

The song started, the lyrics skillfully belted in my ear and then…it ended. And I played it again.

For the next ten minutes or one hour, I was somewhere in Cabo, on the beach with the wind dancing over my skin, giving me imaginary goosebumps. Or I was in an elegant dining room with dim lights, twirling a tall glass of wine between my fingers.

Now, after discovering "Afterglow", I'm ashamed to say I didn't immediately check out the other songs on the album. I just listened to "A Kiss", a song from another album and since I loved it, I quickly added it to my song library.

About five months after "Afterglow", I randomly searched for a live performance on YouTube. Then the floodgates opened. Live performances, fan reactions, and music videos. Overwhelmed, I returned to Spotify and began my journey through The Driver Era's "X".

10 songs, 35 mins 43 secs.

A truly sensual experience.

"Girl you keep it real, I keep it raw."

I mean, I might be a prude (refer to my opening paragraph), but those words hold an undertone of something rather… tantalising.

"You're salty and sweet

I'll drink your need

Fresh squeezed, so clean."

I mean, you see it too, right? Right?

Those lyrics are from "Natural," my second-best song on the album. I'm not ashamed to say "Natural" is playing in my ears as I write this.

"Low" is another song you might get behind. It has a chill cadence making you want to sway with your eyes closed. It gave me a 2-am radio song vibe.

"Afterglow", my favourite song is more of a 9 pm song, sounding more like a reminiscence, an almost bittersweet recollection of a steamy summer afternoon.

All in all, the album oozes sexuality but only to a subliminal degree, never really breaking the surface of the water. According to Spotify, "X" was released on June 28, 2019.

I'm about 4 years late but I'm here, and I'm happy.