Review by Adam M on August 23, 2014.

ASG brings a nice indie appeal which recalls largely the likes of classic Jane’s Addiction. Not only are they the same feel good riffs, but the vocalist in particular is strangely reminiscent of Perry Farrell. While the heaviness of the guitars recalls the likes of Kyuss and Soundgarden, it is the attitude and personality of the band, along with the singing, that recalls Jane’s Addiction the most.

One of the best qualities of this album is indeed its spirited approach. It seems like this is a hard rock band that simply enjoys the material they’re playing and this shows through in the music. Emotional impact is certainly something that’s important to rock music and it’s what puts this album on the same plane as some of the better works of the aforementioned bands. Each song is brought to the life by the great amount of charisma that is present. This is perhaps most ever-present in the title track Blood Drive which simply enraptures with the amount of power in its chorus section. The amount of atmosphere is largely dependent upon the energy the band possesses, which is really the strongest element of the music along with the vocals that fit beautifully with the instruments. If there’s any flaw to the music, it’s that it sounds perhaps too similar to the influences present. Also, the tracks are very short and sometimes I imagine they could be more developed.

The strengths of the album far overshadow the weaknesses and make this one of the stronger rocks albums I've heard in some time. Blood Drive is every bit better than Soundgarden’s rather mediocre comeback album and nicely fits into the rather empty state of recent rock music to give it some welcome worthwhile material.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10