Album Review: White Reaper – Asking For A Ride

Playful punk meets hardcore harmonies

The Kentucky punk rockers of White Reaper released their most recent full-length album in late January. Asking For A Ride came out on the 27th marking the band’s fourth studio album. Members Tony Esposito, Ryan Hater, Sam Wilkerson, Nick Wilkerson and Hunter Thompson produced the 10 tracks as part of Asking For A Ride, including the album’s opener and title track “Asking for a Ride.”

Asking For A Ride opens with an energetic title track. Kicking off with static and distortion, there’s an intense sense of passion that immediately surges through both the vocals and instrumentation. The upbeat, hissing hi-hats and shredding guitar complement each other. The breakneck speed of “Asking For a Ride” is sure to hype up any crowd, not to mention the super-charged guitar solo. 

Additionally, the song plays with volume to help create a dynamic piece. Lyrically, “Asking for a Ride” features repetition, adding to the song’s catchiness. For example, “I do it for Daisy” and “Oh, I can shoot” are frequently repeated. Everything comes together at the end in a satisfying screech of electric guitar.

Pre-released single “Pages” dropped three months before the release of Asking For A Ride. The verses and chorus each have their own distinctive sound; musically, the verses are casual and almost beachy, while the chorus goes hard and rocks out. Specifically, the verses’ smooth guitar strumming crackles into distortion at the chorus to embrace some harder punk. The song uses layered vocals to feel fuller as drums rumble underneath. The intriguing lyrical themes come across as pensive and questioning “Why are things so complicated?” 

All in all, White Reaper’s newest full length LP creation is simultaneously catchy and full of intricacy. Asking For A Ride feels professional while, at the same time, retaining its approachability as the band members find fun ways to experiment with their lyricism and instrumentation. Next time you need a ride, pop on this record by White Reaper for a fun drive.