Drive On Mak

"Healing is painful but necessary.” -Sean Makra

Texas based neo blues/rock/punkabilly outfit Drive On Mak deliver a distinctive, genuine and quite refreshing blend of sounds, symbols and therapeutic, socially commentative lyrics on their latest EP, Babylon.

Babylon, inspired by equal parts ancient kingdom and A Knight’s Tale (the film), kicks off the album with a smooth electric guitar progression, bass locked in groove with tasty drums, and a story of pride preceding the epic fall. Sean’s vocal delivery immediately grabs you and locks you into the album’s building depth.

Comin’ For You kicks off with a thick kick, soaring harmonica and pulsating bass before moving into a gritty, blues infused tale about a woman who preys on younger men before eating them alive. Much like the female praying mantis devours the male after mating, Drive On Mak consume our attention with engaging storytelling backed by a well crafted, desert-esque soundscape which sets the mood for eerie lyrics and infectious frequencies.

Mixing ancient stories with contemporary sounds, the smooth-flowing slightly-distorted guitar-melody-driven Kiss Thy Hand delves into the complexities of the King David story and the act of sacrificing self for the greater good. The hook on this one is catchy and memorable.

Outlaw slaps us in the face with an aggressive, fast paced, foot stompin’ aural assault that is guaranteed to boost your energy like a shot of adrenaline to the jugular. This one has a hook that would have rooms full of attentive listeners raising their fists and screaming Outlaw in unison during the chorus.

Player slows it down for a rockabilly blues groove backing a charming but gritty vocal delivery and some really awesome and gut wrenching guitar tones that will have you rewinding this track for a repeat listen.

When I’m Gone kicks off with fast paced rhythms and sweet sounding harmonica before jumping into an energetic, warm sounding progression that lays the foundation for a story about a friend’s marriage. In the words of Sean,

…{When I’m Gone is} a harsh breakup song written about an army friend’s marriage, something I would then experience myself.”

There’s also a Bonus Track but you will have to listen to the album for that one.

Babylon can be jammed below or on Soundcloud.

The album is available on CD Baby.

Connect with Drive On Mak on FB. - Middle Tennessee Music

There is plenty of music out there today that has no real emotion or experience behind it. Just take a peek at the pop charts. When an artist chooses to pour his real heart and true personal journey in his songwriting it can truly connect with the listener. It also helps the songwriter heal from a tumultuous past. Our recent find Drive On Mak is a great example of this authentic music with true stories told through song.

The 3 piece band from San Marcos, Texas is made up of guitarist Sean Makra, drummer Scott Feigh, and bassist Jason Bilderback. Together they form a unique sound with ties to the Blues, Rock, and Punkabilly genres. There is more to their music as well with social commentary running through the lyrics.

As the main songwriter of Drive On Mak, Sean Makra has a lot to look back on for inspiration. He served in the US Army for 11 years, including 3 tours in the war torn country of Iraq. With this intense array of life experiences, he is able to delve into the edgy darkness of revolution and war, with epic and somewhat scary depictions of combat. The band explores everything from post-war PTSD, spirituality and themes of love and loss.

Sean says. “Our feelings transcend our music. We play, write and sing with a great deal of passion. Our music is a reflection of us. There is a lot of love in what we do. My writing is a reflection of my interpretation of the path that I’ve walked. I’ve been thru a lot, and I’ve survived a lot. I pour all of that into my music and I play those songs with my two best friends.”

The latest record from Drive On Mak is the touching and energetic Babylon EP. The 7 track album pulls no punches and puts it all out there for the listener to experience. The opener, and title track, “Babylon” combines personal feelings with Biblical tales. The melodic guitar leads the charge as Makra’s scratchy emotion fueled vocals paint the picture.

The energy and dark imagery picks up some on “Comin’ For Ya”. The folk storytelling vocals take us down a shady path of a girl prowling on younger men to eat them alive. Part of this one brought back memories of the legendary Nirvana acoustic performance of Meat Puppet’s songs.

Drive On Mak Combines Personal Stories With Biblical Imagery

The biblical theme continues through “Kiss Thy Hand” with touches of Israel’s King David. The interesting tempo grabs the listener’s attention with its rises and falls. The gravelly vocal delivery of the chorus gives it an even more authentic feel. A high end guitar solo is featured on this one as well.

The walking bass beat of “Player” provides a real toe tapping and head bopping experience. The instrumentation really shines here as well with energetic drum and guitar fills. Energy rises even more on the harmonica led “When I’m Gone”. The pace will keep your body moving as the lyrics tell the tale of the harsh breakup of an Army marriage. Both Sean and I have experienced this all too common occurrence in the military life making it really hit home. But it did leave a smile on my face. This is what real music is supposed to do. Connect with the listener and entertain their emotions. - Indie Band Guru

“Babylon” by Drive on Mak, a Texas-based neo-blues/rock/punkabilly trio, is an expressive and intense extended record. Explicit and genuine lyrics, sincere emotions and wailing electric guitar.

Sean Makra is not only a lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He is also a former soldier and three-time Iraq veteran. Most of the band’s lyrics are influenced by Sean’s wartime experience. Scott Feigh is a drummer, and Jason Bilderback is a bassist.

Drive on Mak’s songs tell the stories about paradoxical reality. There are war and peace, love and loss, spirituality and disbelief in “Babylon’s” lyrics. Marka opens up about post-war Post-traumatic stress disorder, misconceptions about veteran’s life and other issues that are usually forsaken by society.

From the first chords, of “Babylon” you sense melancholy and isolation. There are inevitable honesty and truthfulness in the lyrics. “Tomorrow Babylon will fall,” sings Marka. It seems, his voice adds emotion to a composition. It is sorrow and grief. In the moments of desperation, it is a perfect song to listen to cease the pain.

“Player” is similar to a “Babylon” composition. There is a question of ten commandments. The theme of faith is central in particular song. “I am speeding as I drive just to feel alive.” They draw connections with the war; confront the listener with a shocking actuality. Sean Makra plays with the words, “If you don’t like the games I play then you don’t have to play/ this player is gonna play his games/ just the way he plays.”

“When I am gone” evokes different emotions. Rhythmic, upbeat, and cheerful. “Pack your shit and get out of the door. No never, ever look back.” It is a song about letting go and moving on. Even though it can be a difficult decision. “It is time for you to grow up. It is time for you to move on.”

“Outlaw” is another upbeat song. “I am an outlaw, number one. Hustling, stealing, gambling, playing with guns. Outlaw is what I do, blue jeans, T-shirt, black tattoos.” There is no sorrow or despair, rather anger and complacency. It is a perfect song for an action movie. You feel the speed and taste victory.

“Kiss Thy Hand” is probably the weakest song on the album, a monotonous and tedious composition. There is a strong emotional connection to the song however as Makra sings, “He breaks the legs to save the land.” As a result, you are in the presence of profound sadness, hopelessness, and desperation.

Overall, “Babylon” is an affecting and powerful extended record. It is a blend of affliction, agony, and anger. Love and peace inseparably intertwined with sorrow and war. It will make you feel isolated but at the same time content. - Review Fix

The opening and title track alone to this EP from Texas based trio Drive On Mak is enough to have you hooked. The music has a notably raw and pure sound to it, instrumentally live sounding, far from the over-polished finish of modern pop; refreshingly real to witness. On top of this, the melodies, the riffs, the lightness of it all – this full band sound somehow comes through with a warmth and delicacy, seeming all at once intimate and immense. Then of course there’s the leading voice, and it’s a beauty. As skilled as one may be at writing songs or playing guitar or driving a rhythm, it always makes a world of difference when there’s something special in the singing voice. It’s part of our humanness to be drawn to the gravel and soul of certain vocal tones. From the very first moments, Drive On Mak hold the key to your adoration.

Comin’ For You is a fantastic follow up to the opener. The rhythm and swagger of it is infectious, that voice again with such character and depth, and the lyrics – sensational lyrics, captivating at every step, surrounding you with imagery and ideas and energy. Kiss Thy Hand varies distinctly in mood and concept, though the poetry remains and is ever present throughout this project. The stories that unfold have depth and are compelling to witness, the subtle warmth of the music laying out a comfortable foundation within which you can sit back and offer up your full attention, and that voice – presenting everything with genuine emotion and seemingly effortless appeal.

Outlaw brings the energy sky high. A manic drum line, an indie-rock infused guitar riff, a punk-rocked soaked leading melody and vocal performance that again utilises these short snippets of lyrics in between the chaos of the music. It’s a common trait of the band’s songwriting, everything working in unison at each musical moment – the audio falls away for the lyrics, the lyrics fall away to return the favour, the energy rising and falling intermittently; taking full advantage of the effectiveness of contrast.

Things settle down again for Player. The guitar is stripped back, the bass steps forwards, there’s a freestyle feeling to it all that again underlines that purity, that creatively free expression, that unity and togetherness between band members. This song is fascinating, hypnotic as always – the story, the voice, almost whispering to you, the street-light soul or jazz of the instrumentation. The whole thing has a classic feel to it, and the lyrics are once again superb. The entire project deserves way more than a single listen. These songs are incredibly unique among their current peers.

A certain Dylan-esque joyfulness comes through for When I’m Gone – the harmonica, the shuffle of the beat, the single vocal joined at the end of each line by its equally gentle and carefree counterpart. The lyrics here are superb, every line an absolute winner. The music has a mild familiarity to it, which brings a touch of nostalgia, but so much else here is fresh and exciting and free from the direct influence of the musical mainstream. Listening to this EP is like stumbling upon a hidden treasure, a well kept secret – unspoiled by external influences and free from concerns or rules. Even the 30 second snippet at the end of it all entitled Bonus Track, as bizarre and unpredictable or unfinished as it may seem, appears as a perfectly acceptable way to leave things. A definite must. Listen in full. - Stereo Stickman

Drive On Mak opts for a classic cool on the laid-back atmospherics of the “Babylon EP”. Featuring loose and limber grooves the tracks have a freeform quality to them while they explore mellowed mood. A reflective spirit defines the entirety of the collection, shown both in the thoughtful lyricism and the glistening arrangements. Hard to precisely pin down, Drive On Mak draws from a wide variety of styles from the blues to the singer-songwriter tradition all with a distinctly western twang to it. Guitar work allows for a great hazy kaleidoscopic swirl, as the pieces possesses a gritty vibe to them. Reminiscent of the equally spaced out scope of early Meat Puppets, Drive On Mak swing forth with a dazed and confused temperament.

Nicely introducing everything “Babylon” truly sets the tone for what follows. After a few false starts they allow the mood to unfold with such ease. Harmonica features prominently on the lumbering languid rhythm of “Comin’ For You” with just the right amount of detail. On “Kiss Thy Hand” Drive On Mak create an infectious riff, with a memorable melody that emerges out of the fuzzed-out approach. High energy flows out of the rollicking good time of the aptly named “Outlaw”. Easily the highlight comes with the oddly tender and appropriately dark “When I’m Gone”. Discordant and playful “Bonus Track” closes the collection out.

“Babylon EP” shows off the undeniable chops of Drive On Mak, as they play with genres with the utmost of grace.

By Eva Grace - skopemag.com

Like the best things in life, writing music may have to wait until other things are taken care of. No one knows that more than singer-songwriter Sean Makra who turned to songwriting only after he had spent some of his life as a soldier in the Armed Forces. It was only after time as a soldier that he allowed the musician in him to come out. Together with his brother-in-law Scott Feigh on drums and longtime friend Jason Bilderback on bass, singer/guitarist Makra created the band Drive On Mak. Having already released one EP entitled Weapon, the band returned with a new EP. This release is entitled Babylon.

Babylon from Drive On Mak begins with the title track of the release. “Babylon” is a track that combines Rock and Roll with a few elements of Reggae to create a sound that brings to mind the stylings of a band like Sublime. The gentle pace of the music mixed with the light Reggae beat gives the track a jam band-like feel. With the lyrics, Makra writes about the mythical city of Babylon being under siege, drawing from his military experience to give the visual resulting from the words so realism. “Babylon” is a solid track that has enough commercial value to it to make it perfect for an Alternative Rock radio station format.

The newest release from Drive on Mak continues with the song “Comin’ For You”. With this track, the band completely changes the feel of their sound. The track finds the trio adding a great deal of Blues influence to the song. The track’s Blues/Rock mixture is helped along with the addition of harmonica from drummer Scott Feigh. With the lyrics, the band takes the listener into a rather dark place as Makra sings about a woman on the prowl for her next victim. The Blues/Rock music mixed with the slight Horror vibe makes “Comin’ For You” a light, fun track on the Babylon EP.

Drive On Mak slows things down with the track “Kiss Thy Hand”. Just like the previous tracks, Makra creates a story-set-to-music feel to the song. The lyrics of the song revolve around the various exploits of King David from the Bible. To go along with that storybook-like lyrical approach, the band creates music that takes the listener back to the nineties-era Alternative Rock as the song ends up sounding very much like something from the likes of Soundgarden or Nirvana.

One of the best things about the music from Drive On Mak is the way the band changes from one style of music to the next with each song that they create. On the track “Outlaw,” the trio adopts a Rockabilly sound to their music. The song features a quick pace to the music while the music itself features more than just a little twang to it. That Rockabilly style goes well with lyrics about a man who tells it like it is about the fact that he lives the life of man on the outside of the law. Like the previous tracks, “Outlaw” ends up showing off just one side to the band’s musical abilities.

Just like with the earlier song of “Kiss Thy Hand,” the band slows things down on the song “Player”. With this track, the band’s style seems to suggest the musicians have been slightly influenced by Tom Waits. The lyrics of the song tell the tale of a man who does thing his own way just for fun and without care of what may happen. The lyrics of “Player” feel very Waits-like in nature with a subtle humor that comes through as you listen while the music recalls some of Waits’ earlier material, especially the song from Waits entitled “Whistling Past the Graveyard” that has a very similar rhythm to the lyrical delivery.

The “album tracks” for the Babylon EP from Drive On Mak conclude with the song “When I’m Gone”. With this track, the trio creates a Straight-out Rock and Roll track that once again features the harmonica from drummer Scott Feigh. Combined with lyrics about saying goodbye and moving on, the song feels like something that Bob Dylan may have created. The bouncy feel of the music helps to create a track that feels downright fun to listen to.

The trio of Drive On Mak brings their Babylon release to a close with the “Bonus Track”. When recording in the studio, sometimes you end up with absolute nonsense as a result of having fun. The thirty seconds of recording on the track give the listener just a little insight into the sense of humor of the bandmates as they record.

Babylon from Drive On Mak is a great example of what happens when you take three musicians with various musical influences and create a band around them. The seven tracks featured on the release move from one style to the next and combine to create a release that keeps moving and keeps the listener interested. Together, the seven tracks combine to create a strong release that never slows down.

Check out the music of Drive on Mak with the song “Babylon“.

For more information, check out the band’s PR firm, Whiplash PR. - The Rock and Roll Report