It is rare to find a debut that feels both lived-in and refreshingly adventurous, but Upstate New York trio Twilight Drive have managed just that with ‘Glorious Purpose’. Though it originally landed via Cwazy Widdle Wabbit Records in May 2023, the record has only recently begun to garner the broader acclaim it deserves. Comprising Bryan Mathys, John Prylo, and Darryl Kniffen, the group has spent the last few years becoming a fixture of the New England circuit, and that road-tested chemistry bleeds through every bar of this ten-track collection.
The title track serves as a masterful opening statement. It begins with a swirling electronic motif that quickly finds its feet alongside a simmering guitar line, building into an expansive, stadium-sized anthem. It is here we are introduced to the band’s thematic core; when the vocals poignantly reflect, “On the voyage of recovery, seeing things the same but differently,” it sets a tone of resilience that resonates throughout the album. There is a clear nod to the heavyweight alt-rock of the 90s, offering echoes of the muscularity of Audioslave paired with the melodic gloom of Stone Temple Pilots. Yet, Twilight Drive avoid being a mere tribute act by weaving in sophisticated synth textures.
As the record unfolds, the band isn’t afraid to push their boundaries. ‘Be Aware’ takes a detour into an edgier, shoegaze-inspired territory, where isolated vocal performances float over a backdrop of spiralling synthesizers. Conversely, ‘Dear Serenity’ and ‘Don’t Leave’ lean into pure rock grandeur, while the high-octane energy of ‘Come Alive’ channels the jagged, explosive spirit of Jack White.
The album’s final third proves the trio’s versatility. ‘Sunlight Sanctuary’ offers a more eclectic, spacious arrangement that highlights their ability to layer sound without cluttering the mix. In a vibrant pivot, ‘How I Feel’ hits with the force of industrial percussion and a menacing, metal-adjacent drone that feels both heavy and cathartic. It is the sound of a band not just finding their feet but actively sprinting towards a signature style.
‘Glorious Purpose’ is a bold, multi-faceted debut that proves rock is still very much alive in the Empire State. You can stream the album above, and for more from Twilight Drive, be sure to follow the band on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, or catch them on tour.
