Drift Effect evolved from a basement band; jamming for 6 months in the heart of the American Midwest. Convinced that there was something special about the type of songs that had been created, they released a self-titled E.P. in 2006 and began playing some shows. A big break occurred when they were offered a slot on the 2006 Vans Warped Tour; an experience that lead them to believe that a career in the music biz was entirely possible. In early 2007, they began work on their first full-length album Be Something with producer Chris Mara.

Be Something is a collection of songs that draws influences from both modern hard rock and alternative rock to the classic 70's era. The riff driven modern hard rock sounds of tracks like Shake, Systematic and Not For Good shows the band's admiration of Chris Cornell and Audioslave. Lead vocalist Ray Attley has the same sort of "soulful" and emotional vocal style of the former Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman and is certainly a strong point in this band's overall sound. At times, with tracks like Indecision and the emotionally charged Solstice; with it's mix of acoustic guitar work and heavier riff driven segments, Ray also reminds me of Adam Duritz from Counting Crows. Pearl Jam influences are abundant throughout this album more notably with Listen To Me, a more atmospheric yet still emotionally charged song. Lots of acoustic guitar "colorings" on many tracks gives this album a decidedly 70's feel and with The Clutter, the mix of laid back, clean guitar driven segments alternating with booming heavy riffs brings bands like Bad Company, Led Zeppelin and even U.F.O. to mind. Ray's voice on this track sounds like a hybrid of Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Company) and Phil Mogg (U.F.O.) and is definitely an album highlight. Legend Of A Native Woman tackles more sociological issues with its riff driven and emotional style and is topped off nicely with some narrative in a native tongue.

Although not really offering anything new and groundbreaking here, Drift Effect has produced a very good album for their debut. It's rich in melodic hooks, expressive lead guitar work, lots of atmosphere and some really solid vocal work; something that's the downfall of many a new band. They've drawn from their influences and have come up with a very enjoyable alternative/modern hard rock album. There's several tracks on this album that are really outstanding tracks and are sure to attract some attention although there are a couple that are a tad monotonous and really don't go anywhere. They are starting a tour July 11th throughout Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and their home state of Minnesota that lasts through August. If you enjoy solid alternative/modern hard rock with some of the "angst" of the newer bands but without the annoying "emo" qualities of the current chart heavyweights and are partial to bands like Pearl Jam and Audioslave, be sure to check them out if they're playing in your area. Many of these tracks will come off great in a live situation and if this CD is being sold at their gigs, I'm quite sure that many will leave with it in their hands.

Song samples are available at the band's MySpace page here