Debut album from this young band of UK hard rockers who have pulled off something of a coup in engaging the production services of none other than the highly regarded Kevin 'Caveman' Shirley (Iron Maiden, Journey, Aerosmith and many others). If their name sounds naggingly familiar its because they share it with Brandon Lee's character in The Crow and Draven also make an immediate visual impact by virtue of having identical twins Frank and Jim Paoli sharing guitars and vocals. The twins have been writing sings together since the age of 12 and Draven first emerged in 2004 when they appeared at Guilfest alongside Alice Cooper and it was a speculative demo forwarded to Shirley that resulted in the invitation to head over to LA for recording. Somewhat unusually for a band that at first glance supply no nonsense, hard-edged, classic hard rock there is also a concept running throughout Eden that is loosely based on John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost.
Unlike some of their peers Draven are evidently a band that have diligently gone about writing quality songs as opposed to just catchy riffs and hooks. The up-tempo title track and fiery blues rocker 'Itchy Finger' are both instantly accessible but also have plenty of staying power and their is a confident maturity about the aching desolation of 'I Don't Care' or the eight minute plus 'The Stranger'. Before anyone is tempted to dismiss them as simply clones of the Answer then be assured Eden is not simply made up of fist-pumping anthems. Just check out the tender and bittersweet ballad 'Breathe' or the contemporary rocker 'Don't Cut Yourself' for further proof.
A stunning debut that marks a very promising beginning for a band who are genuine contenders for bigger and better things.
Track Listing
1. Blitz
2. Itchy Finger
3. Eden
4. Don't Cut Yourself
5. I Don't Care
6. Fight
7. Home
8. You Won't Take Me Down Again
9. Breathe
10. Stranger
11. Eden (reprise)
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