UNIVERSITY DRIVE Redefines Their Sound with “First Stage Separation EP”
- Miles Coleman
- Aug 23
- 2 min read
Scranton based rock outfit University Drive has long been known for its emotionally charged performances and the deeply personal songwriting of frontman Edward Cuozzo. What began as Cuozzo’s solo project in 2016 has steadily evolved into a fully realized band, and their latest release, the bold and compelling First Stage Separation EP (out May 2, 2025), captures the strength of that evolution with striking clarity.
The First Stage Separation EP is not only a milestone for the group, it is also the fulfillment of a longtime dream. Recorded live to tape at Chicago’s famed Electrical Audio, the studio founded by the late Steve Albini, the project is rooted in authenticity. Working with engineer Greg Norman, who has carried on Albini’s ethos of keeping recordings as unfiltered as possible, Edward Cuozzo and his bandmates approached this project with a simple but bold philosophy: to sound exactly like themselves. That meant no layering of endless takes, no heavy handed studio tricks, just five musicians in a room playing their songs the way they were meant to be heard.
The results are immediate and visceral. Across its tracks, the First Stage Separation EP radiates the chaotic urgency of 1990s alt rock while weaving in melodic textures that reflect the band’s own identity. The interplay between guitarists Angelo Maruzzelli and Mark Naples brings a dynamic push and pull to the arrangements, while the rhythm section of bassist Ryan Grutt and drummer Tony Kruszka grounds everything with punch and precision. At the heart of it all, Edward Cuozzo’s vocal delivery remains the defining force of University Drive — vulnerable, unflinching, and deeply human.
What sets the First Stage Separation EP apart is the sense of unity running through it. For the first time, Edward Cuozzo stepped back to allow every member to shape their own contributions, resulting in a record that feels both collaborative and cohesive. It is less a collection of songs and more a statement of identity, a snapshot of a band fully embracing who they are and the music they want to make.
Ultimately, the First Stage Separation EP is more than just another release for University Drive. It represents a turning point in their journey, capturing the essence of a band that has grown beyond its origins while staying true to its core. By marrying raw energy with thoughtful execution, they have created a project that resonates with honesty and power, setting the stage for even greater things ahead.
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