Review of “We Ride At Dawn” by OCB

If there’s one thing that gets my gears grinding, it’s the endless sea of music out there these days. Don’t get me wrong, I love that there’s something for everyone, but navigating through it all feels like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Then, out of the blue, “We Ride At Dawn” by OCB hits the scene. Suddenly, it’s like a breath of fresh air in a smog-filled city. Remember the good ol’ days of rock that felt like they were slipping through our fingers? Well, this album grabs that essence and brings it right back to the forefront. Here’s the kicker: it’s Paul Calobrisi and Travis McCally making their grand return after 25 years with this album. Proving once and for all that the soul-stirring beats of genuine rock music aren’t just a thing of the past, they’re very much alive, kicking, and ready to take us on a journey we didn’t know we were missing.

In a world cluttered with fleeting trends, ‘We Ride At Dawn’ emerges as a timeless journey back to the soul of rock, proving that the heart of music beats strongest in the echoes of genuine craftsmanship

OCB’s latest offering, their first in a quarter of a century, is not just an album; it’s a journey through time, emotion, and the human condition, wrapped in a soundscape that resonates with the echoes of rock legends like Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles. Each of the 12 tracks is a testament to the band’s masterful craft, honed guitar skills, educated vocals, and an ability to weave personal stories of pain, healing, and release into a tapestry of sound that is as much an ode to rock’s hero era as it is a beacon for the contemporary listener.

Let’s see the songs one by one:

Whatever Came of You – An immaculate opener that sets the stage with its infectious energy and an earworm of a chorus. It’s an invitation to the ride, promising a journey worth every note.
Look In The Mirror – Destined for radio success, this track is a time machine to fond memories, with a hook that’s arguably among the best in recent soft-rock history.
We Ride At Dawn – The eponymous track, a storytelling masterpiece, might challenge the uninitiated but rewards the faithful with its lyrical depth and rock purity.
Tonight – A nod to britpop’s finest hour with a chorus that could very well become the loudest, most spirited anthem at live shows.
Shut Up And Drive – A lesson in minimalism, proving that less can indeed be more with its 70s vibe and understated elegance.
Stay With Me – A song that perfectly encapsulates American soft-rock, with layers of vocals and guitar licks that are simply irresistible.
Saying Goodbye To You – An ’80s rock homage that showcases why OCB remains a formidable force in the genre, capable of smashing boundaries without raising the decibels.
Words Of A Liar – A daring deviation that clears the palette and showcases the band’s bravery and experimental spirit.
Lonely Girl – A beautifully soft serenade, emblematic of OCB’s ability to craft songs that tug at the heartstrings.
You Are Not Mine – Venturing into country territory, this track underlines the band’s versatility and knack for heartfelt storytelling.
Mask – A rock powerhouse, with guitar work and thematic depth that command attention and respect.
Lindsey’s Song – A sensitive, soul-touching finale that could very well etch its place in the annals of guitar and vocal performance classics.

We Ride At Dawn’ is not just an album; it’s a beacon for the weary, a musical compass guiding the lost back to the shores of emotional clarity and healing.

Ultimately, “We Ride At Dawn” is more than an album; it’s a mosaic of human emotions, masterfully crafted and delivered with the authenticity and skill that have become OCB’s hallmark. It’s an invitation to those yearning for music with substance, depth, and the power to move the soul. This album isn’t just for the old-school rock aficionados or the seekers of musical craftsmanship; it’s profoundly for those who are navigating the rugged terrain of healing, those who find themselves at a loss for words or ways to channel their emotions and pain. “We Ride At Dawn” offers not just melodies and lyrics, but a companion through the journey of healing, providing a voice to the unspoken and a melody to the pain. For anyone who believes in the transformative power of music, who cherishes the path as much as the destination, and who seeks a soundtrack for the myriad moments of life, especially those moments that demand getting better, let “We Ride At Dawn” be your guide. Follow OCB into the dawn, and discover where the music takes you.

Paul Calobrisi and Travis McCally, returning after 25 years, have not just created music; they’ve crafted an emotional lifeline for anyone seeking to find words and sounds for their deepest pains and joys.

For anyone who believes in the transformative power of music, who cherishes the journey as much as the destination, and who seeks a soundtrack for the myriad moments of life, let “We Ride At Dawn” be your guide.