I remember seeing The Driver Era for the first time. The lights dimmed – a wave of disbelief fell over the crowd, as if Ross and Rocky were a character they would never see in person. At the time I had only listened to one song and was wishing I had that same mesmerized look as the rest of the crowd. Transfixed to the stage, we all watched as the duo appeared from the darkness and onto the raised platform in the center. The screams at that moment were almost overwhelming.

Even though I didn’t know much about the band at the time, I still had an incredible time. Their songs were the catchiest thing I had heard in a while. Since then I have listened to their entire discography, even having “Low” on repeat to this day. And now, after keeping up with their releases, a new song has been added to my rotation.

“Malibu”, released on July 28th, is the summer song I’ve been waiting for. It has echoes of a 70s groovy beat with its simple bass line. “’Malibu’ is about reminiscing on experiences in the best locations,” the band stated. “It’s about getting away. It’s the spontaneous trip you take with someone — maybe you knew them before, or maybe you’re meeting them for the first time.“

I wish that I was on the Malibu beach when I first listened to it, but, in a way, I didn’t need to. I would have loved to feel the warmth of the sun against my skin and hear the ocean lap against the soft sand as this song played in the background. Instead, I felt like I was transported to that exact scene.

If this is just a taste of what Summer Mixtape will sound like, then I can’t wait to have the full meal. I’m crossing my fingers in hopes that they play “Malibu”, and maybe even another single from their upcoming album, at their San Francisco show.

Be sure to presave this album and grab a ticket to their current tour by clicking the links below!

The Driver Era

Presave Summer Mixtape | Grab your ticket

Cover photo by Samuel Fisher