Lake Drive proves they have the ‘it’ factor at EP Release Show in Milwaukee
Up-and-coming Milwaukee band Lake Drive graced X-Ray Arcade in the Milwaukee area for the “Post-Internet Romance” EP Release Show on Oct. 11 with support from Superglue, Micah Emrich, and The Keystones.
The group dropped their first single, “Dance Until We’re Dead,” last April, and has dominated the Milwaukee scene ever since. They opened for Blame My Youth at The Rave / Eagles Club this spring, played Summerfest in the summer, and are on their first fall tour in the Midwest. Along with their continued growth this year, “Best Part,” from their new EP “Post-Internet Romance,” is featured in Apple Music’s “New in Rock” playlist.
Lake Drive has the over-the-top glamour of The 1975 with the distinct riffs and lyricism of Midwest emo indie rock. Their set was the perfect meld of 80’s pop rock, sensuality, self-depreciation, and emotion.
Photo: Ariel Kassulke
Frontman Rayven Burdette took the X-Ray Arcade stage with a bouquet of red roses before throwing them to the eager crowd for EP track “ur so funny.” The band had undeniable chemistry, interacting heavily with each other and their already-cult fanbase.
“You guys are the biggest f—ing crowd we’ve ever played for,” Burdette said, expressing his gratitude. “We’ve never had a crowd this big in our hometown. We love you so much.”
Guitarist Brandon Detaege sported a cropped Milwaukee Bucks shirt– showing love to the city.
Crowd participation persisted with headbanging and chanting for singles “Overrated” and “Plus One.” All the while, red heart-shaped balloons bounced atop the engaged audience.
“The boys and I were talking before,” Burdette said in segway to “Best Part.” “All of you guys are the best part of what we do. We love you so much.”
The feeling was undeniably mutual. The band left the stage, having performed all 6 songs off of their EP. Fans needed more, chanting for Lake Drive to play one more song.
Photo: Ariel Kassulke
“Sorry you guys, we can’t play one more song,” Burdette responded. “We’re going to play two more songs. They haven’t even been recorded yet. We want to test them out… Are you guys ready? Let’s f—ing dance.”
After playing the new, unreleased song, Burdette asked what the audience thought of the song, one out of ten.
“Ten, ten, ten,” the crowd chanted in response.
Lake Drive topped off the night with a stunning cover of “Robbers” by The 1975, confirming the inspiration in sound and energy. Burdette’s vocals were flawless and captured the vulnerable sensation of the original version while adding a unique twist. Once this cover is released on streaming and promoted on social media, it may be the kicker to a booming career for these guys.
With unmatched confidence, showstopping performance, and exceptional delivery, Lake Drive proved to be a band to watch.
There is one last stop of the “Post-Internet Romance” EP Release Shows tonight, Oct. 13, in Indianapolis at Hoosier Dome.
