Late Night Drive Home Unveils New EP and Single with a Nod to ’90s Grunge

Indie rock ensemble Late Night Drive Home is making waves with their latest musical venture, announcing the upcoming release of their EP i’ll remember you for the same feeling you gave me as i slept. Scheduled for a February 16th debut via Epitaph Records, the EP is an homage to ’90s grunge icons like Sonic Youth and Smashing Pumpkins, melded with the contemporary styles of Dominic Fike and The 1975. This blend of eras is evident in their newly released single, “Believe Me (Even If I’m Lying),” accompanied by a nostalgic MTV-style music video, a collaborative directorial effort from guitarist Juan “Ockz” Vargas, Jaydog, and Edbar.

Describing “Believe Me (Even If I’m Lying)” as a digital translation of emotions into audio, the band invites listeners to delve into their lyrics and find personal connections. “Take what you want, read in between the lines,” they suggest, emphasizing the open-ended nature of their music.

The inception of this project occurred at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, Texas, with Sonny Diperri (The Drums, Animal Collective) at the helm. It began with the track “Opening a Door” and evolved with engineer Ross Ingram to embrace a darker, grungier sound. The decision to use open D tuning across the EP was a pivotal moment, aiming to unify the tracks while encapsulating the somber ambiance of winter.

Late Night Drive Home, comprising lead singer Andre Portillo, guitarist Juan “Ockz” Vargas, bassist Freddy Baca, and drummer Brian Dolan, emerged in 2019. Their journey began with Portillo and Ockz learning instruments and production simultaneously. The duo’s SoundCloud uploads quickly gained traction, leading to the recruitment of Baca and Dolan. Their breakout track, “Stress Relief,” garnered over 100 million streams and secured a deal with Epitaph Records.

i’ll remember you for the same feeling you gave me as i slept is not just a collection of songs; it’s a narrative of personal growth and change. The EP explores themes like isolation, mental struggles, and the nomadic uncertainties of life on the road. Ockz channels his transient lifestyle into the EP’s racing instrumentals, while Andre’s vocals convey a sense of mental entrapment and a longing for escape.

As they carve their path in the indie music scene, Late Night Drive Home is committed to elevating Latin artists’ representation while staying true to their rural American roots. Their journey into the indie rock realm is a testament to their evolving sound and approach, driven by a passion for creating art and sharing their stories. Join Late Night Drive Home on this exploratory journey, where the fusion of past and present sounds creates a unique indie rock experience.