There’s something about a slow, soulful rock song that pulls you in, and Taz Taylor Band’s latest single, “Lonely I Ride,” does just that — but with a twist. Not only does the track mark the band’s return with their upcoming album The Other Side Of Midnight, but it also introduces a new, powerful voice leading the charge: Laura K. Vreeland.
For those who’ve followed TTB’s journey since their 2004 debut Caffeine Racer, this is a band that’s never been afraid to evolve. Taz Taylor himself — originally from the UK and now rooted in Los Angeles since ’97, arriving with nothing but a guitar and a dream — has built a career on blistering solos, relentless determination, and collaborations with rock royalty like Graham Bonnet, Keith Slack, and Don Airey. Now, almost two decades later, he’s bringing a fresh energy to the band’s sound.
“Lonely I Ride” feels like a turning point, both musically and emotionally. Written by Taz alongside Alessandro Del Vecchio, the song’s atmosphere is soaked in moody, reflective guitar work, carried by Vreeland’s soulful, soaring vocals. It’s got the weight of classic rock ballads — the kind that makes you feel something deep in your chest — but the grit and heart of a band still hungry to push forward.
“Lonely I Ride” captures that restless feeling of being caught between the past and whatever’s waiting on the horizon. The song’s smoky, melodic guitar lines weave through a rhythm that feels like an open highway — steady, but never stagnant. Vreeland’s vocals carry that weight effortlessly, blending strength and vulnerability as she belts out the emotional core of the track. It’s not just about the freedom of the ride; it’s about the quiet ache that follows, the kind of loneliness that creeps in. The accompanying video echoes this sentiment, cutting between the band’s powerful performance and shots of a lone driver on the road, reinforcing that sense of searching for something.
But perhaps the biggest surprise isn’t the sound — it’s the dynamic shift in the band’s lineup. After years of rotating guest vocalists and instrumental showcases, Vreeland marks the first time TTB has a permanent vocalist on board. And according to Taz, that wasn’t the original plan. “After we finished Nocturnal, we figured we’d find a guy to handle the live vocals,” Taz explained. “Turns out, that wasn’t as easy as we thought. So, we went a different route — and Laura came in and blew us away.”
It’s a bold move that pays off. Vreeland’s voice doesn’t just fit — it elevates the music. There’s grit and grace in her delivery, and you can hear the chemistry between her and the band. It’s the sound of a group that’s not just playing songs — they’re living them. For Vreeland, it’s been a whirlwind. “I was honored to be asked to sing for TTB,” she shares. “Covering the incredible talent from Nocturnal was intimidating at first, but Taz believed in me. Fast forward a couple of years, and I’m fronting this amazing, original rock band. It’s been a dream.”
The Other Side Of Midnight, set to drop May 14th, promises 10 tracks of melodic hard rock and AOR, pulling influences from the likes of Michael Schenker Group, Rainbow, Van Halen, and even a touch of Journey. But make no mistake — this isn’t a nostalgia trip. TTB is charting new ground while staying true to the spirit of classic rock.
“Lonely I Ride” encapsulates that evolution beautifully. It’s introspective without being indulgent, powerful without losing its soul. And with Vreeland now fully in the fold, the band’s chemistry is undeniable.
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