Rev78 album review Boy in the Blitz
Rev78 have their debut album Boy in the Blitz ricocheting around the releases in early May. Back in January I came across Rev78, via Kim Astley Cooper and for no reason I can think of, this has sat in my in-tray awaiting a review. I will get on to a full review of Rev78 in the next few weeks, for now – a look at Boy in the Blitz.
Rev78
Opening with Killing Me, I drift back to the new romantics, apparently many other reviews of Rev78 draw a link with roots based in new wave of the late ’70s with particular reference to Ian Curtis. The track resonates with clear vocal and echoed guitar. a great opener, I can hear references to Ultravox and in particular Vienna.
Old Fashioned, sees the band creating a superb track, with a sound that resonates around the head as reverbed guitars ring to a strong lyrical performance. This has depth, interest and some superb composition. This could happily be played on repeat for some considerable time.
Continuing with Could Have Been a Dancer, does have the undertones of the sharp high-notes of New Wave, off-set with a complete re-write which brings this forward 30 years to 2011. This is the hallmark of Rev78, clarity of lyric, supported by some superb guitar and drum work, which blends to generate yet another well constructed composition.
Us Against Them All, finds a snappier tempo, which the band handles with ease, as they raise a challenge to the vocal, which Teddy handles with aplomb.
In stark contrast Kiss Me, has the quartet in a far more sombre and slowed mood, with the guitars taking the heart of the track, within which the band are able to explore new space. It isn’t their natural ground, but is carried off with efficiency.
Harrier, I personally enjoy as I am dragged back to some far simpler chords and drum beats. It may not be where the band are able to do themsleves the most justice, but for my ears it sits very comfortably. This is to me music as it should be. Three minutes of pure energy and concentration, a distillation of emotions and lyric with no frills.
Lucy find the band exploring yet new space, as they demonstrate capability with anthemic sounds, which is in my view not their strong suit, though sits comfortably within the construct of Boy in the Blitz, which is essentially a showcase album for a highly capable band.
Heading back to home territory Lullaby finds Rev78, doing what they do best. Complex guitar structures supporting a clear vocal and enabling the listener to extract their own inferences.
Who am I lifts up the pace a little, again enveloped in swathes of velvety guitar….. I haven’t mentioned the drum and bass so far in this review, simply because they are a fantastic framework to the band and no matter where Rev78 turn, they handle the challenge, this track provides them with the opportunity to really take some influence on the direction, as they support a powerful vocal.
Boy in the Blitz, finishes with Every Bone, a track which is a natural conclusion, as they morph in to a stadium band – a really well delivered piece of music.
Rev78 are a band who know how to frame an album and their following releases will I am sure become stronger for this experience.
Thanks Kim for sending thorough the digital release and sorry to the guys for taking so long to get the review written.
Coming out on 8th April, this a release which will enhance a play-list on any night of the week.
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