
If you grew up on mid-70s rock- tunes the likes of Ted Nugent and Peter Frampton- dudes that let their guitar and lyrics do the talking, then the Gary Dranow Band’s new single, “The Masked Facade,” the lead track off their upcoming full length concept LP of the same name, is a treat.
Behind killer guitar work and lyrics you can sing along quickly to, this near five-minute audio adventure (that’s what it feels like) is great sneak peek at the band’s full length concept LP set for a April 25, 2025 release.
Simply put, this track is a pure flashback. It’s got everything you could want out of a killer rock track- and not the rock that’s on the radio today. The stuff they never play anymore- Jethro Tull, Blue Oyster Cult. The good stuff.
A lot of that has to do with the guitars. From the start, the guitar work on this track is excellent. Shades of Grand Funk Railroad, Lynyrd Skynyrd and even Boston are here. As the song goes on, they compliment the vocals perfectly and give themselves enough room to still stand out.
Great vocals are just the start. There’s a story here. The lyrics though put it all together beautifully:
“Two souls entwined, a twisted ballet,
Patrick and Brian, a duality
One wears a mask, while the other bares his teeth,
Their battle rages on, skin beneath.”
There’s even more to the story. According to the track’s press release, ‘Masked Facade’ is a concept album exploring the life and darkness of a man who has Dissociative Identity Disorder. By day, the man is a loving husband, parent and workmate named Patrick. By night, he becomes Brian, a Serial Killer, who preys on women on the fringes of society, mostly but not exclusively prostitutes. There’s even more characters here. Simply put, this could be a film or a comic book, it’s that deep.
Wild. In a day and age where no one takes risk, this release is a big one, but it’s got something to it. There’s more here. The concept, the lyrics, the guitar- it’s all proof.
Add in the consistent drum beat, solidifying bass and that retro appeal and “The Masked Facade” is a track you’ll listen to over and over. Judging each facet of the track by itself renders it awesome, but the some of its parts make it something truly special.
For more on the band- Click Here.
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