The Masked Facade by The Gary Dranow Band (Independent single)

The Masked Facade by The Gary Dranow Band (Self-released single)

First a bit about Gary Dranow before we delve into this absolutely amazing single: Even before you get to his musical career, Gary Dranow has an exciting and impressive resume. A young equestrian turned motocross champion, a clothing line entrepreneur turned mortgage broker, a renowned ski instructor, and an academy founder. Gary Dranow has undoubtedly grabbed life with both hands and squeezed a lot out of it. And within the auditory world of Gary Dranow arrives The Masked Facade – the first single from the album of the very same name. And judging by this wondrous raging, cinematic blues rock entreaty, expect the entire album to be nothing short of a masterwork of epic proportions.

Concept albums such as Tommy and The Wall are iconic staples in the rock community, and The Gary Dranow Band clearly possess the beginnings of a compelling collection of tunes with The Mashed Facade.  Here we find introductions to Patrick the corporate charmer and Brian the lurker in the shadows – and you quickly realize this duality is the same person with a quite a haunting story to tell. And man, does this title track seethe with vision and intrigue, transporting the listener into the dark and hazy world of the Patrick/Brian, Jekyll/Hyde style manifesto.

“Two souls entwined, a twisted ballet,” are among the brilliantly descriptive lyrics, set to a hard rock and ripping blues soundscape. The listener is plunged headfirst into this world, with the single whetting the appetite for the rest of what is sure to be an epic adventure. With the full length set for release on April 25th, it won’t be long until the entire world will bear witness to this grand psychological thriller. Check out The Masked Facade and prepare for a tantalizing journey as imaginatively presented by The Gary Dranow Band. Skillfully produced by longtime co-conspirator Klym Apalkov!

(Review by Ken Morton)

The Gary Dranow Band on Bandcamp