Album Review: Freeways - True Bearings

Following up 2017’s Cold Front EP, Freeways’ first full-length album is an enjoyable drive through the best of 70s melodic rock. While the band never goes full AOR, there’s a certain shine to the material that recalls a mix of Thin Lizzy and Boston with sprinklings of Fly by Night-era Rush. There’s also a brazen feel-good attitude that reminds me of more contemporary bands like High Spirits and Gygax, but I wouldn’t necessarily call this metal.

The musicianship strikes a perfect balance befitting the style, easygoing without sounding milquetoast and active without getting too brash. With the rhythm section setting a rock-solid foundation, True Bearings is a very guitar-oriented album. The leads play off each other beautifully and the riffs are executed with a vibrant tightness. The vocals’ workman delivery also suits the material well, putting in a nasally melodicism that reminds me of Cauldron or Haunt.

While such a meat and potatoes method could’ve made for generic songwriting, the album’s seven tracks are accessibly engaging. Moving from the EP to full-length format allows the band to stretch their dynamics a bit more, resulting the title track’s dreamy atmosphere and the slinkiness of “Dead Air.” From there, “Battered & Bruised” adjusts the tempo to a more mid-paced battering that comes to a hazy swing on the slow, seven-minute splendor of “Time Is No Excuse.” The opening and closing tracks do a splendid job of bookending the album with more straightforward rock roll.

As the RV on the cover art indicates, True Bearings is an album tailor made for cruising. While its classic rock influences are readily recognizable, the vibrant musicianship and upbeat execution give it a distinct identity. Along with groups like Tanith and Demon Eye, this is the sort of album that demands to be put on a road trip playlist alongside your old favorites. This is the sort of feel good music we’ve been needing and I’m happy to see Freeways deliver it.

Highlights:
“True Bearings”
“Dead Air”
“Battered & Bruised”
“Time Is No Excuse”

Final Grade: A-