Driving Underwater - Emotional Commitment

Driving Underwater

Emotional Commitment
​self-released; 2020

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Driving Underwater is a three-piece band from Medford, NJ. The band is made up of William McCorry (guitar/vocals), Rob Biello (bass/vocals) and G. Fiordaliso (drums). They recently released Emotional Commitment.

​The band has a pretty straightforward rock/emo sound not too far away from bands like Car Seat Headrest and Cloud Nothings. After an eight-second intro track the band gets going with “7 years” and it is made of crunchy guitar chords, a dynamic beat and a steady bass. This song in particular sounded like Weezer and other like minded bands.

“Tongues” is in a very similar vein as is “Anyways” although the saxophone was a unique aspect of the song that gave it a distinct quality. As the album progressed I was impressed by songs like “Dad Rock” and the surf rock inspired “Getting Lost.”

This is the sound of a couple young guys coming together to have fun. That’s what it sounded like to me. I’m still in a band and in my fourth generation of life but I started when I was in my teens. Emotional Commitment sounds like young dudes from top to bottom.

The EP was a DIY effort and sounds every bit a standard home recording. I love the DIY approach. Their ideal production would be Steve Albini type aesthetics somewhere close to the album Attack On Memory. I’m not saying they have to hire Albini anytime soon but working with an engineer who can get closer to that sound would be a good start.

The songwriting and delivery is solid. I would however push them on how they can further create a signature sound.

Overall, I think this is a solid start from a promising band. I wish them luck in their evolution.

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