San Diego’s Taz Taylor Band returns with “Lonely I Ride,” a new single that sets the stage for their upcoming eighth studio album The Other Side of Midnight, due out May 14. Known for their melodic hard rock sound rooted in the traditions of bands like Rainbow, Michael Schenker Group, Van Halen, and Journey, the group continues to blend classic rock influences with contemporary energy on this emotionally driven track.
“Lonely I Ride” offers a meditative reflection on solitude and resilience, combining a steady, mid-tempo groove with expressive guitar work and a commanding vocal performance. The track introduces a notable change in the band’s dynamic: for the first time, the vocals are provided by an official member of the band—Laura K. Vreeland—marking a shift from previous albums that featured high-profile guest vocalists like Graham Bonnet, Mark Boals, and Doogie White.
Vreeland’s presence adds a fresh tonal contrast to the band’s established formula. Her vocals bring a mix of grit and clarity that complements bandleader Taz Taylor’s melodic, expressive guitar style. Taylor, a British-American guitarist and founder of the group, has long been the centerpiece of the band’s sound. Here, he steps into a new phase of collaboration, emphasizing a more cohesive, band-centered approach rather than relying on guest performances.
Musically, “Lonely I Ride” adheres to the band’s roots while introducing subtle evolutions in structure and delivery. It’s a power rock ballad at its core, but with enough instrumental nuance and vocal emotiveness to elevate it beyond formula. The production is clean, and the arrangement showcases a careful balance between guitar prominence and vocal space—allowing both elements to shine without overpowering each other.
With The Other Side of Midnight promising ten tracks of melodic hard rock and AOR, “Lonely I Ride” serves as a representative entry point. The song suggests a consistent thematic thread of personal reflection, perseverance, and emotional authenticity, aligning with the band’s history while highlighting its evolving identity.
For longtime fans of classic hard rock and newer listeners interested in emotionally charged, guitar-forward songwriting, Lonely I Ride offers a grounded and sincere preview of what’s to come.
Nadia Elkharadly
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