“Drive” serves as the atmospheric opening track on Anchor & Braille’s 14-track album, New Mexico, immediately setting the stage for the deeply personal journey that unfolds. The song commences with cinematic “spaghetti Western” atmospherics, including a portentous narration from Stephen Christian’s father, a devoted fan of classic Westerns. This spoken-word introduction not only establishes the album’s unique soundscape but also grounds “Drive” in the profound influence New Mexico had on Christian, physically and emotionally. The track seamlessly transitions into the album’s broader narrative, blending indie rock with these distinctive regional inspirations.

As the first song, “Drive” is instrumental in creating an immersive experience for the listener, inviting them into the world Christian absorbed during his time in New Mexico. It embodies the album’s overall aim to explore themes of longing, faith, and resilience, all filtered through the lens of a landscape that profoundly impacted the artist. The deliberate pacing and evocative sound design of “Drive” effectively captures the feeling of starting a journey, both literal and introspective, making it a fitting beginning for New Mexico.