The track is one of three songs they have finished for an upcoming six-track EP the band hopes to release by March 2019, in time for SXSW.
“[San Antonio] has been pretty good to us,” Salazar told the Current over the phone earlier this week. “We’ve played some pretty big shows like River City Rockfest twice, were featured on Fox Sports Southwest during the Spurs Championship in 2014.”
The band has also opened for a number of heavy hitters in the post-hardcore world, like Hands Like Houses and Slaves, just to name a few.
“It’s been a long process, honestly, and we’re just still trying to do it, man, me and my little brother.”
Over the course of the last two years, the band has seen a shift in its lineup. Original drummer Colt Lyons was with the band four years, then he was featured on Norman Reedus’ motorcycle show Ride, consequently lending to the success of Lyons’ custom motorcycle business Colt Wrangler Motorcycles and requiring more attention from the drummer. The Heroine’s Johnny Lightning took over drums for a year before recently being replaced by Recreating Eden drummer Steven Rodriguez. Also, after a two-week tour back in 2016, guitarist Aidan Escalante also assumed the role of lead vocalist, resulting in Gabriella Macias’ departure.
In all honesty, this is my favorite manifestation of the band so far.
While the video is the tried and true band-playing-in-a-room concept, the production of the video, along with the tight songwriting, really gives listeners a glimpse into the new fresh version of the band. “Golden” could probably fit within the active rock genre alongside the likes of locals Nothing More, but there are enough touches of post-hardcore and even hip-hop elements to convince us that this isn’t just another alt-rock band from San Antonio doing the same ol' thing.
Watch the video below and decide for yourself. As far we’re concerned, though, this is a positive direction that the now-trio.
The band is opening for Drowning Pool this Saturday, December 1, at the Rock Box, alongside Sons of Texas and To Whom It May. $21, 7pm. For tickets visit therockboxsa.com. For more information on Donella Drive, visit donelladrive.bandcamp.com.
