Vince Leigh’s Single Review: Drink by Darren Gillis
By Vince Leigh (Ex drummer of Pseudo Echo, Tina Arena and John Farnham) of Australian Radio Promotion for Sheldon Ang Media
Darren Gillis’s Drink is the kind of track that sneaks up on you, like a slow burn that turns into a full-blown blaze before you even realize it. Gillis isn’t here to reinvent the wheel, but he sure as hell knows how to make it spin faster, smoother, with a bit more grit. There’s a rawness to this song that’s refreshing in a genre often weighed down by too much polish and not enough punch. Gillis walks that fine line between the familiar comfort of country and the rebellious edge of blues rock, and he walks it like a man who’s been doing it his whole life. The song kicks off with a guitar intro that’s all mood and attitude, the kind that makes you sit up and take notice. It’s got that bluesy undercurrent, like a lazy river that suddenly pulls you into its current. And then the beat drops, and you’re hooked. There’s a rhythm here that feels like the heartbeat of a late-night dive bar, steady and relentless, pushing the song forward with just the right amount of urgency. Gillis’s vocals are the anchor of Drink—steady, unpretentious, and as grounded as the Wheatbelt soil he hails from.
There’s a warmth to his delivery that makes you believe every word, and when the chorus hits, it’s like a wave washing over you. It’s a perfect blend of country’s storytelling and rock’s defiance, with lyrics that speak to the everyday struggles and small triumphs we all know too well. You can tell Gillis is drawing from real life here, and that’s what gives the song its weight. The second verse continues to build on the narrative, with the band providing a backdrop that’s both dynamic and restrained, letting the song’s natural momentum take the lead. And then comes the guitar solo—fiery but controlled, it’s the kind of solo that doesn’t just show off technical skill but also adds to the story Gillis is telling. It’s a burst of energy that propels the song to its climax, before easing back into a more reflective mood, only to rise again as the chorus comes back, stronger than ever. What makes Drink stand out is its sense of balance. Gillis knows when to let loose and when to pull back, creating a dynamic listening experience that feels like a journey. It’s a song that knows where it’s going and takes you along for the ride, making every twist and turn feel earned.