On their new single/music video, “Life Drain,” hard rock/metal band Westcreek comes out swinging with biting lyrics narrating a poisonous relationship.
Vocalist Daniel Bas explains, “Like most Westcreek songs, the music is written first. Then the vocals are the cherry added on top. ‘Life Drain’ in particular came about from personal experiences of being in a bad relationship. A relationship that both parties would benefit from ending it and going their separate ways. Throwing in the towel is not always a bad thing if it is beneficial to oneself.”
He goes on, talking about the lyrics, “’Let’s be done with this because I’ve had enough.’ A perfect phrase describing that scenario. While wanting to break things off for the better, it is also about being beat down by the other person and then have them gaslight you. ‘Save those phony tears for somebody else. Save that fake remorse for someone who cares.’ John came to me with the main riff idea and I kind of just ran with it. We would bounce ideas to each other over FaceTime till we came up with a solid demo version of what you hear today. I hope it can help people understand that you need to watch out for number one at the end of the day. Don’t stay in a dead-end relationship for whatever reason you feel you need to. You deserve it.”
Westcreek
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Westcreek got together in 2019 and comprises Daniel Bas (vocals), John McKinnis (guitar), Eddie Nava (guitar), Michael Arocha (bass), and Rocko Cortez (drums). After releasing several singles and an album, What’s Left Of Me, Westcreek signed with Wake Up! Music Rocks, the label founded by Pepper Gomez.
“Life Drain” rolls out on gnashing guitars flowing into a thick, reverberating rhythm made up of a steroidal bassline and thundering drums with a deliciously tight, round sound. Simultaneously aching with passion and urgent authenticity, Bas’s scraping-the-rafters voice reveals a redolent melodicism that juxtaposes against the solidified harmonics, infusing the tune with a relentless duality of texture and color.
The lyrical phrasing – “you’re not the victim, you’re not a martyr, you’re a life drain” – punctuates Bas’s musings on his emotional status quo.
Coated by a sheen of muscular elegance, with “Life Drain,” Westcreek bares the fragmenting effects of remaining in an infected relationship.
