San Diego’s Taz Taylor Band returns with a compelling and soulful infusion of heartfelt honesty on their latest single “Lonely I Ride,” the lead release from their eagerly awaited eighth studio album, The Other Side of Midnight. This new collection promises ten tracks of melodic hard rock and AOR that resonate with the classic spirit of legendary acts such as Michael Schenker Group, Rainbow, Van Halen, and Journey. The band’s signature style, built on emotionally charged vocals and intricate guitar work, remains intact but with a fresh and invigorating dimension.

“Lonely I Ride” emerges as a poignant meditation on themes of isolation and resilience, elevating the familiar power rock ballad formula with a driving groove and raw emotional intensity. Central to this evolution is the extraordinary vocal presence of Laura K. Vreeland, whose voice lends a distinctive, haunting quality that complements and expands the band’s sonic palette. Her delivery is sincere and commanding, providing a perfect foil to Taz Taylor’s fluid and expressive guitar performance, which carries both technical finesse and palpable feeling. The interplay between these two forces injects new vitality into the band’s sound and sets a compelling tone for the full album, scheduled for release on May 14th.

Taz Taylor, a British-American guitarist renowned for his mastery and versatility, has long been the driving force behind the Taz Taylor Band. His previous albums have featured collaborations with formidable vocalists such as Graham Bonnet, Mark Boals, and Doogie White. However, the introduction of Laura K. Vreeland as a permanent member marks a significant shift for the group. This collaboration not only brings a fresh vocal dynamic but also underscores the band’s evolution from a project with guest vocalists to a cohesive, fully integrated band.

Taylor reflects on this transition, explaining that after the challenges of finding a male vocalist capable of delivering the demanding material from their last album, Nocturnal, the band turned to Laura. Her powerful voice and stage presence quickly made her an indispensable part of the ensemble. “By the time this album is released, we will have been playing together for nearly three years, and the musical chemistry is incredible,” Taylor shares. This long-term collaboration is evident in the tightness and emotional depth captured in the new recordings.

Laura K. Vreeland speaks candidly about joining the band, expressing both humility and excitement. She recalls feeling honored yet somewhat daunted by the prospect of following in the footsteps of the exceptional guest vocalists on Nocturnal. Yet Taylor’s confidence in her abilities helped her embrace the role wholeheartedly. “Fast forward, I am fronting an incredible, original rock band and having the time of my life,” Vreeland says. Over the past two and a half years, the band has toured extensively, opening for major acts at iconic Southern California venues, further honing their live presence and deepening their musical bond.

The Taz Taylor Band’s The Other Side of Midnight promises to be a milestone in their career, marrying classic hard rock elements with contemporary energy and heartfelt storytelling. Each track is meticulously crafted, blending melodic hooks, driving rhythms, and powerful lyrical themes that will resonate with longtime rock enthusiasts and new listeners alike. With “Lonely I Ride” as a harbinger, the band reaffirms their position as purveyors of authentic rock music that honors tradition while embracing evolution.

For fans of melodic hard rock and AOR, the album represents not only a continuation but an expansion of the band’s artistic vision. The combination of Taz Taylor’s virtuosic guitar work and Laura K. Vreeland’s compelling vocal delivery makes this record one of the most anticipated rock releases of the year. Out now, The Other Side of Midnight is poised to make a significant impact on the rock music landscape.