THE DRIVER ERA return with Malibu: First listen to Rocky and Ross Lynch's breezy summer single

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If you haven't heard of THE DRIVER ERA yet, we politely ask where on Earth you've been? Having formed a duo in 2018, LA-born Rocky and Ross Lynch boast two brilliant albums - 2019 debut X and 2021 release Girlfriend - and have accumulated an almost-30-million-strong social media following.

Tipped for 'chart domination' by the likes of NME, THE DRIVER ERA release their brand new single Malibu this week (Thursday July 28), and we've been lucky enough to get our ears around it a little early.

Cheers, lads. Kicking off with some exquisite funk guitar and dreamy echoes of 'aah-ah,' Malibu serves a delicious slice of summer from the outset. 'Straight to my head like I'm floating above the clouds/All I see is stars,' Ross effortlessly sings atop the breezy beat. 'Far from the panic, don't know how I'd live without/Malibu/Why don't you take me to Malibu?' 'Summer nights got me f**ked up, on the edge and I got no safety,' Ross continues into the middle eight. 'Summer nights got me f**ked up, been a while since I've felt this way.' While much of THE DRIVER ERA's output to date's leaned into a grungy, '80s-influenced energy, this song marks somewhat of a departure for the duo.

Malibu's a carefree piece of pop escapism; its strength in its subtlety. This is pure sunshine in a song, basically. Discussing the inspiration behind the track, Rocky and Ross explain: "Malibu is about reminiscing on experiences in the best locations.