Revival Black - 'Under The Light' TMR ROCK RECORDS Release Date 26th August 2022

First, they gave us the excellent debut ‘Step in Line’ in 2019, then the 2020 album ‘Live in Your Lounge’. Their latest release hits us on 26th August, ’Under The Light’ on TMR Rock Records. Musically they are a cross of many great styles, from the swagger of The Black Crowes and Gun, with the power and melodies of Black Stone Cherry and Alterbridge.

So what of the 10 tracks in ‘Under The Light’? From the outset the strong lyric writing of Dan Byrne shines through the whole album, very talented writer. Opening track ‘Believe’ puts it right out to you what you’re going to get from these guys. Expect big sounds. A haunting backing vocal intro to ‘Take You Out’ keeps going through the track, supported by great guitar work from Alan and Adam. ’See You Again’ kicks with a 70’s type guitar vibe, its a head bopper, with the best guitar solo on the album in the final third. I always love watching bands play live and enjoy hearing great studio tracks transfer into the live area, this one will be worth waiting for I’m sure. Track four is ’’Broken Home’ and is an old school rock song and carries on the vibe from the previous track. ’Hemispheres’ is for me one of the album highlights. A great rock ballad with great vocals, guitar work and rhythm all coming together to generate a moody rock song, another I’m sure will be great live. Big Bass guitar lines from Jamie bring you into ‘Under Fire’, has a bit of everything this one with Ash especially giving solid pace behind the kit. ‘Left Of Me’ is another album highlight for me, powerful rock track with a mid paced tempo compared to ‘Broken Home’ and ‘See You Again’. Has harmony guitars shining through it. The faster paced ‘Change My Mind’ brings you into the final three on the album. If you’re looking for tracks that identify with the current NWOCR genre that we all enjoy, then its this one and the following track ‘Wrong Side’. These ring out the bands identity and their talent.

Ash brings in the start of album closer ‘Hurricane’, its said that its wise to keep something good back for the end, and they’ve certainly done so, this is another album favourite for me. It summarises everything that has been given to us musically in the last nine tracks. All these guys are great musicians creating great music. Above all else, you’ll need to listen very hard to hear better lyric writing this year than what Dan has given to this album.

Album favourites for me are ‘See You Again’, ’Hemispheres’, ’Left Of Me’ and ‘Hurricane’. This is a good rock album, definitely a worthy quality follow up to their last studio album ‘Step In Line’. If you’re looking to spend some dough on a band that introduces you to the NWOCR then you’ll be in a good place buying this release on 26th August 2022.

K McC