Guiltmaker “Driven By Arms EP” Review
Guiltmaker is a band made up of former Florida-based hardcore bands and fall somewhere in between whatever is considered to be emo these days and indie rock. Shaun Drees and Dan Radde conceived the idea for the band and began work in 2004, eventually filling empty spots with former band-mates, and as for the band’s mission statement, “Guiltmaker was established with big hopes of delivering something noteworthy to today’s indie rock scene.”
The 4-song Driven By Arms utilizes the not-quite-screaming not-quite-singing style of vocals underlined by driving high guitars. Ultimately however the band lacks the depth that many contemporaries within the post-hardcore scene seem to have. Blending songs lyrically and musically can be effective if the theme offers something sensational, but in this case, unfortunately the band performs a played-out sound which might not exactly cut it as noteworthy in today’s indie rock scene.
You might not know but I do, Drees had this group started 13 years ago when he was 16 (differnet name back then) but comes from a long line of musicians. His great grandfather was a singer songwriter from Ireland and very well known. His grandfather was also a singer songwriter of over 1500 songs which some of the early country & western stars used his songs. Then his Uncle at the age of 15 sang with Marty Robbins and some of the greats back then, also recored 2 hits.
The guys in the band I have known for quite some time and are some of the best guys you would ever want to met. Just a little story for your information: Radde goes to USF full time & studying business managment & human resources: Drees is a college grad and a graphic designer for Dillards: Meyer remodels bathrooms and kitchens and last but far from least Hayes works as a pharmacy tech. So write what you want… but you must not be a musician because in order to write a song and play and instument comes from the HEART & SOUL which evidently you don’t have. They sure do not have (played out songs) and I am saying this with about a few more thousand people. They have toured the eastern coast quite a few times and everybody loves them plus ME! They won’t sell them sleeves out for you any anybody. These guys rock!!!!!!! My love to Guiltmaker!!!!!!!! 5 stars*****