Review by Maria Glover for MPM
Where to begin with this album. I knew I’d love it. I knew it would be awesome. But even then, I’m stunned by this impressive (and profoundly and undeniably addictive) album by Liverpool’s brightest young stars Revival Black.
While many may have heard of the remarkable vocal talents of singer Dan Byrne, his bandmates are less well-known and talked about, and with this in mind what is perhaps more surprising to me is how tight and slick the band is throughout this album of killer tracks.
The instrumental and lyrical both raising the bar for anyone who wants to even consider the New Wave banner. This is far more than a powerhouse vocal with a backing band but a meeting of brilliant young talent who add a vibrancy that can hopefully take the classic rock/hard rock sound a step further and help reignite some passion for the genre.
The album begins strong, from the irresistible chugging riff and velvety-smooth vocals of ‘Believe’ to the irrepressible sleazy, southern twang of ‘Take You Out’. ‘See You Again’ however, for me, is perfection. An uber cool and funky groove overlaid with soulful and impassioned vocals, huge bassline, and some incredible shredding on the side.
The seamless production sounds amazing through the headphones and the song just pops into life. The immensely powerful ‘Broken Home’ sets the bar higher than most could achieve, glowing with intensity and inspiring a great depth of excitement as you realise just how good this album is.
Perhaps my track of the album (I can’t decide between 2) ‘Hemispheres’ features a stunning vocal performance by Byrne, following an acoustic opening, emotional and powerful, with a heavy-blues feel. The song is so atmospheric and reflective it gives goosebumps on top of goosebumps.
There is some simply stunning guitar work which both hypnotises and invigorates. Wow. I struggled to speak for a good 5 minutes!
If you’ve heard Revival Black before you’ll recognise the dirty riffs and crisp, clean vocals instantly in ‘Under Fire’, and ‘Left of Me’ has even more blues style flavour and fervor with sweet, soulful vocals in the lead. By now, I don’t ever want this album to end.
‘Change My Mind’ is a rollercoaster of emotion, and the pace of ‘Wrong Side’ dynamic and the vocal so evocative it gut punches you.
The seductive vocals of ‘Hurricane’ draw me in and the song builds to a climactic chorus, the band fleshing out the track beautifully into a full balls to the wall rocker. Rich with complexity and intricacy, this is another favourite of mine and it blows me away with every play. A pace change and breathless lyrics leave me needing and expecting more and it does not disappoint. This is how you close an album boys and girls. Sublime.
Full of lush harmonies and poignant lyrics, embroidered with killer hooks and filthy riffs, a tapestry of silky, sensual vocals, this album doesn’t have the word ‘filler’ in its vocabulary. This merely confirms rumours of greatness.
5/5
Standout tracks: Hurricane, Hemispheres
Tickets and further info https://revivalblack.com
Revival Black are: Dan Byrne – Lead Vocals, Alan Rimmer – Lead Guitar / Rhythm Guitar, Adam Kerbache – Rhythm Guitar / Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals, Jamie Hayward – Bass / Backing Vocals, Ash Janes – Drums / Backing Vocals
https://revivalblack.com
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