Being a writer and music lover who has spent countless nights with rock, I find “Death of Me” by The Project to be like finding myself, love-struck, in a grungy garage where the music is born. The group’s debut single which began as James Davis’ supergroup, is a tribute to real and raw rock ‘n’ roll. The place is noisy, people are sweating and it makes me smile like I just found my old mixtapes again.
A thunderous power chord starts the track at the very beginning. Dennis Hill’s voice has grit and edge, giving it that rugged sound like he’s spent years singing over distortion. With Davis, Scott Shiflett and Erik Ferentinos on guitar, the band plays tunes that are burning with fast, proud riffs. Kevin Baldes’ bass and Jimmy DeAnda’s drums fit together so well it’s like the band is playing the heartbeat of the earth. They come alive to this song and their joy is clear in every line they sing together.
What I love is the way the song sounds like a classic rock track but still sounds original. It has the spirit of the late ‘90s MTV, where everyone wore denim, leather and nothing fake, made into a lively summer song. The music video shows that free spirit of being in a space with friends, plugged in and rocking together. Remembering my teenage desire to find that electric feeling in starting a band came back to me.
Whenever I want to feel like everything is possible, I listen to “Death of Me” and feel like I’m driving with no limits. Even though The Project is just starting, this song is a stunning display of their passion on its own. Rock is at its best here and I’m sure whatever comes next will fascinate me.
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