Search - Revival :: Horses of War

THOUGHTFUL, WELL-CRAFTED FOLK ROCK, WITH PSYCHADELIC FLOURIS

Richard M. Benjamin | Washington, DC USA | 04/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a casual supporter of the Washington, D.C. music scene, I've had the pleasure of seeing Revival perform in concert a handful of times. Something that always struck me about the band, live, was the way the way they mixed up their performances -- although a lot of the songs on Horses of War were set mainstays, the band always shown a willingness to tinker with their arrangements (often dramatically), throw in unexpected covers, and synthesize a variety of available local musicians into their set. As such, I was quite curious how familiar songs would be presented on this, their first major release -- Would it be the sparer versions I'd heard at some shows, or the more rocking incarnations they offered up at others? Or something altogether different? And how would the band incorporate the opportunities afforded by a recording studio -- would it enrich the songs, or would the songs lose their directness and intimacy?



I'm pleased to report that Horses of War, for the most part, represents the best of the band. My favorite songs I've seen them play are all here, and are sequenced in way that highlights their range, and keeps the album moving along at a brisk pace. For example, "Horses of War" opens with slow, rolling "Fog Rolling In," and then segues into the poppiest track, "Dizzy." Similar smart sequencing occurs by putting "Following You" (a slow track that is really, really beautifully produced here, with a guitar wash laid out the background, and subtle vocal layering/echoes) between "King of King's" (not sure about that apostrophe...) and "Daybreak" -- two songs that, without the buffer, might have seemed a BIT similar to my ears, but here move the album's momentum along nicely, and are allowed to breathe. Well done.



I've seen this band with a lot of different line-ups. The mainstay has always been Josh Read, who is an endearing, versatile vocalist. For my money, he is slightly less convincing -- vocally and lyrically -- on some of the more aggressive numbers here, such as "Hollywood." That said, the lyrics are generally strong, and I appreciate their inclusion in the well-designed CD booklet; looking at them as I listen to Horses of War, it is easy to recognize they are thematically organic to Mr. Read's experiences and feelings, but also carefully crafted. I also really like the layering of Mr. Read's voice on a number of tracks, including the aforementioned "Following You," "Favorite One," and "When You Come Calling."



As for the rest of the band, the "Horses of War" incarnation is a strong one. Evan Berodt is clearly talented on both the bass and guitar, and his playing is rife with nuance, endless rewards for those who listen carefully; I wouldn't mind him 'breaking out' a little more on 'Horses of War,' but that is just because I know how hard he can rock in a live setting (next album, perhaps?). The drumwork from Noel White is solid, too (although I do miss the band's old drummer, Dave Bryson, who is now playing with Son Volt, and who always really impressed me in Revival's early days). And, honestly, the work in the studio really brings out the subtleties of these songs, on a consistent basis. I look forward to the album being a 'grower,' even though I'm semi-familiar with most of these songs.



'Horses of War' is nine tracks, and 37 minutes long. It seems like the band could have thrown one of their covers here, maybe as a bonus track, or one or two more original tracks. But these are small complaints. This is a very good, thoughtful, album, and it is shame if it does not reach a larger audience. I know 'Horses of War' would appeal to fans of Neil Young, My Morning Jacket, Canyon, Gram Parsons, and Nick Drake. Although the band's growing fanbase seems to largely consist of diligent music listeners, I could see this appealing to casual musical fans equally as well.

"

Helluvan Album

Reverb | 05/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Horses of War is greatness from beginning to end. Buy it. It will still be in your player in 5 years. I have played it umpteen million times and it still gets me movin in my seat. These guys are sick. I hope to hear more from them in the near future."