In their latest single, Driptones are “dripping different” — a new sound, new style, new direction.
“Getaway,” out now, is the newest release from the Gainesville quartet. The track explores life’s uncertainties as an undergraduate over an easy acoustic soundscape, representing a sonic shift as the group gears up for a new collection of songs.
Written when the world was at a standstill just under a year ago, “Getaway” chronicles the escapades of twenty-something living. Mentions of typical college antics — sleeping around and staying out late — are paired with somber reflections on what lies ahead. It’s as much easy-going as it is existential, at one moment grappling with fears of the future and putting them to rest the next.
Vocalist, keyboardist and bassist Xander Boggs said the writing was inspired by the band’s collective relationship with change and questions of identity.
“That’s kind of what the song is centered on, slowly finding out who you are and where you’re going to end up,” he said.
Thematically, Driptones are turning a corner. Where earlier releases tackle relationship woes and reminisce on adolescent memories, drummer Tripp Jones said upcoming material will address more somber themes of mental health, maladaptive behaviors and meeting society’s expectations.
The band said their new releases will present sonic changes as well. “Getaway,” for example, is reminiscent of the surf rock sound Driptones donned since the group’s inception in 2019 but with an acoustic twist. The song is the band’s first build around an acoustic guitar, with only a sleek bassline, smooth electric guitar fills and a steady backbeat to support the sound.
Jones said the stripped-down structure was purposeful. Though previous releases saw bright and flashy instrumentation, Jones said the goal of “Getaway” was to keep things simple.
“We wanted to leave space for everything to breathe,” he said.
“Getaway” was recorded as a single take, aside from added touches by lead guitarist Collin Fitzgerald after the fact. Jones said this was meant to capture the group’s natural chemistry and reflect how the song would sound live.
The track is Driptones’ first release of the year, coming off of the December 2020 single “Wave Sounds” and accompanying B-side “Sun Sick.” Following a slew of shows during the Spring semester, the group returned to the studio to record a host of material, most of which has yet to be released.
The band said the single marks a new musical era, one that includes more experimental instrumentation and a deviation from traditional song design. Melding their varied musical influences, Driptones are entering the year with a sound that vocalist and guitarist Zach Gerbi said reflects their growing confidence and cohesion.
“It’s not necessarily pushing sonic boundaries, but it’s stuff that doesn’t really follow more pop structures or pop sounds and sensibilities,” Gerbi said.
This instrumental and lyrical expansion will culminate in the release of a small EP, which will build upon the theme of impending adulthood established by “Getaway.” Constructed to reflect the state of dreaming, Jones said the EP will explore the balance between childhood nostalgia and newfound independence.
Anchored by what Jones described as a more subdued and intimate soundscape, the band’s new material will offer a more introspective approach to songwriting.
“We’re experimenting right now, so I hope everyone’s along for the ride,” Jones said.
Contact Heather at hbushman@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter @hgrizzl.
Heather Bushman is a fourth-year journalism and political science student and the enterprise elections reporter. She previously wrote and edited for the Avenue desk and reported for WUFT News. You can usually find her writing, listening to music or writing about listening to music. Ask her about synesthesia or her album tier list sometime.
