Alternative rock band, University Drive, release their brilliant new EP, “First Stage Separation.”
Hailing from Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States, University Drive is an alternative rock band that has evolved from a solo project led by main singer and songwriter, Ed Cuozzo. Over the years, the band has solidified its lineup with other members — Angelo Maruzzelli, Ryan Grutt, Tony Kruszka, and Mark Naples.
Released a few months back, their latest EP, “First Stage Separation” is a testament to the band’s collaborative efforts, with each member contributing to the songwriting and musical arrangements.
Over vibrant and rhythmic drums, “Forget Me, Not” begins the lineup, as electric guitar strings swiftly enter the fray. The track evolves with the introduction of the singer’s vocals, breathing life into the lively arrangement, as we strap in to listen. Second verse arrives with a more melodic tone from the singer, as the instrumentation whines down, just a little. This section is probably the best part of the track, offering listeners a shift from the pulsating energy it commenced with. “Forget Me, Not” rounds off in exquisite, lung-busting fashion, showcasing the singer’s intense vocal range and the band’s captivating instrumentation.
“Hollow Sweetness” starts off with those drums again, giving it a steady and proper flow. Over the next four minutes, the band exhibit well paced chaotic energy, giving listeners a true representation of their sound. Vocals here are incredibly raw, inviting and deeply vulnerable, as the singer shows off his enviable vocal skills. A solid addition to the list, “Hollow Sweetness” shines as one of the best songs on the album.
Track number three, “Spin Out” is another explosive musical offering from the band. Lyrically, it’s quite dark, as the singer signifies going through the motions, using words that highlight his low energy and fragile mental state. The line, “I don’t wanna die alone,” puts this feeling into sharp focus, as the singer continues to express himself in the most profound sense. “Spin Out” stands out majorly due to the catchy chorus, “I can’t stop losing everything” — a shuddering lyric that encapsulates the song’s emotional tone.
“All The Way Down” has a truly somber opening, which is a strong departure from the genesis of the earlier tracks. It’s a lovely touch that reveals University’s Drive flexibility when it comes to creating music. A beautiful inclusion, “All The Way Down” is soft, gentle and heartfelt, like a warm hug after a long day. Here, the band declare their ability to make songs with a different soundscape, stepping out of their powerful rock musical construct to a more subtle and soothing ambiance.
The melodic sensibilities at the start of “Decades Lost” instantly pull you in, before being overwhelmed by the stirring and spirited wall of sound. The outro of the song is incredibly stunning, as the band dive into the metallic rock feature of their artistry. There are so many sides to the band that will easily connect with different listeners — an impressive and refreshing asset to see and have, showcasing the numerous facets of their work.
Final track is aptly named, “Final Flash,” and is noted for being the song with the longest runtime on the project. The band close off the project, just as they started, with a riveting display of artistic expression and undeniable musical talent. An emphatic and well-constructed conclusion to the EP, “Final Flash” serves up an intriguing display, as the band go all out, presenting an edgy but delicate offering.
As a whole, the “First Stage Separation” EP pays homage to the band’s influences, including acts like Nirvana, PJ Harvey, and The Pixies, capturing a raw and honest sound that reflects the band’s musical vision.
Listen to University Drive’s latest EP, “First Stage Separation,” available now.
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We caught up with the band to get to know them a bit better, through our Q&A session.
TWM: How did University Drive come about?
UD: It started off as a solo project really. I just wanted to see if I could make a record by myself as an experiment. That ended up becoming our debut album “On/Off: Reset”. As time went on and the right people finally fell into place in terms of band members we eventually made the full transition from solo project into “band” territory. It took a few records and a lot of trial and error, but now we have a definitive line up with Angelo Maruzzelli on guitars/vocals, Ryan Grutt on bass/vocals, Mark Naples on guitar, Tony Kruszka on drums, and myself (Ed Cuozzo) on vocals/guitar.
TWM: What is the purpose of University Drive?
UD: What’s most important to us as a band is making real, authentic, & meaningful connection through the artform. Of course, everyone wants to be successful and have their band blow up and whatnot, but that sort of stuff is really temporary and too much focus on those things can emotionally deplete you as an artist in a lot of ways. So our mission statement from the start and until the end is to create authentic music and art that truly has meaning to us, and hopefully by being ourselves and taking the music seriously, people who feel similarly might see themselves in the music.
TWM: What particular genre of music do you make?
UD: We live somewhere in the world of alternative rock, indie rock, post-hardcore, & emo. Each record we release sort of leans a little closer to one of those genres depending on what record of ours your listening to.
TWM: What do you like to write about?
UD: No topics are ever off limit. We sort of write a little bit about everything. The major themes of our most recent records have been grief, loss, healing, abandonment, & addiction. All those themes circulate through all of “First Stage Separation”, but there’s also some social commentary sprinkled in throughout it as well. It’s kind of difficult to live in the current state of the world and not have those sorts of observations and condemnations sneak into your art.
TWM: What inspired the First Stage Separation EP?
UD: It all started because we just really wanted to make a record at Electrical Audio in Chicago. We wanted to do it for years. When we all heard the news of Steve Albini’s passing we (like everyone else) were gutted, but we also felt like we had to more than ever commit to making a record there. In a way we wanted to honor Steve (even though, I’m fairly certain he wouldn’t have necessarily liked our band haha) but we still just wanted to experience this beautiful facility that was designed so specifically for capturing a bands essence. We are so lucky and so grateful that we were able to work alongside head engineer Greg Norman who’s done so many amazing records and is just an incredible engineer and positive presence. Long story short – Electrical Audio’s existence is the primary influence behind the inception and musical attitude of “First Stage Separation.”
TWM: Do you have a favorite track on the project?
UD: I personally love “Final Flash”. I’ve always been a sucker for the big epic ending song on an album, but this one has a lot of fun musical twists and turns. Specifically in the form of loud/quiet dynamics. I’m incredibly proud of it.
TWM: What do you want listeners to take from this project?
UD: I hope people can find a little piece of themselves or something relatable to their lives on this EP. I understand our music isn’t necessarily for everyone, but it’s there for anyone who needs it, & my one sincere hope is that the people that truly need it find it.
TWM: What’s next for University Drive?
UD: More records, more shows, more tours, more of the same really. But all in good time. We love doing this and will be doing it for a very long time.
Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/2d6jldgv
Follow University Drive on Instagram: @universitydrive
Follow University Drive on TikTok: @uni_drive