Just a few months ago, many listeners might have struggled to place Divergent somewhere between familiar reference points, mistaking them for echoes of other acts rather than a band forging a language of their own. That uncertainty now feels distant. With “Not Until It’s Right,” the trio solidify an identity built on long-held instinct, creative trust, and the kind of chemistry that can only come from time.
The story behind Divergent stretches back decades. What began as a teenage dream shared by James Richards and Mike McAlister was paused, reshaped, and nearly abandoned as life carried them in different directions. Music, however, never fully let go. Years later, their reunion as the Chautauqua Road Band — joined by James’ brother Paul Richards on drums — rekindled something deeper than nostalgia. Re-emerging as Divergent, the band now operates with clarity and purpose, unburdened by expectation and energized by collaboration.
Their earlier release “Runnin’ Free” introduced that mindset, hinting at a band comfortable with experimentation and narrative-driven songwriting. “Not Until It’s Right” builds on that foundation, capturing a vivid, neon-lit moment where rhythm dictates emotion and the present moment takes precedence over consequence. The track moves with a sense of lightness and anticipation, reflecting a youthful surrender to movement, connection, and timing — the idea that some things can’t be rushed, only felt.
At the heart of the song is Divergent’s collective instinct. A simple rhythmic spark becomes a living exchange between piano, bass, and drums, shaped and reshaped until everything locks into place. Rather than showcasing individual virtuosity, the track thrives on restraint and balance, allowing groove and momentum to carry the story forward. It’s a snapshot of a band learning when to push and when to let the music breathe.
That same dynamic is on display in the “Not Until It’s Right” music video, filmed at Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Though not their own studio, the space feels inhabited — charged with confidence, ease, and intention. Each member moves with assurance, immersed in the performance, reinforcing the sense that Divergent are no longer finding their footing but claiming it.
As the band continues toward their forthcoming sophomore album Rev It Up, slated for 2026, “Not Until It’s Right” reads as both a moment and a signal. Divergent aren’t chasing reinvention for its own sake. They’re refining, trusting, and allowing their sound to emerge naturally — a process shaped by history, patience, and the courage to follow rhythm wherever it leads.
