Revivalist
Brother
Album Review
hardcore
release date: October 21, 2014
Revivalist is a hardcore band coming from Abilene, Texas. Within the year they have grown their name within the Christian community, signed with On The Attack Records, and released an EP. They have clearly laid down a foundation for their future with their hard work.
This year seemed to show a similar theme in hardcore music, with bands either playing a brand of hardcore that sticks to the basics, or a hardcore brand that has minor metalcore influences.
With what seems like every other band taking that step in direction at almost the same time, it is refreshing to hear hardcore that has hardcore style and passion without blending into the latter. Brother is a solid debut ep, but, it is not just an ep, it is a dedication. A dedication to Joshua Parvin, the brother of the lead vocalist, who passed away at 25. And with this dedication, comes a personal heartfelt message brought with an intense passion.
The ep starts off with 'Paradise', an energetic song that sets off Revivalist's style. The lyrics are short and simple, and the song overall feels as just an intro. Paradise transitions into the second track, 'Jeremiah'. This is a song that steps up in the spirit. Speeding up those hardcore riffs, and screaming lyrics of being torn down by the Cross. Josiah Lyle of Mouth Of The South is featured on the title track, screaming words of conviction after the loss of a brother. The song is, rightfully, full of sincere apologetic passion, displayed both vocally and instrumentally. 'Vanity' is the fourth track and here we come across the bands melodic side. While the first few songs were more straight hardcore, 'Vanity' throws in a little adversity. This songs message is about being dead to the old man and being different. The ep finishes off with 'Free'. This track is also following in the more melodic hardcore that 'Vanity" displayed. The name of the track portrays everything that the word means in a follower of Christ, screaming lyrics of freedom and promise.
Revivalist has built themselves a solid foundation to build upon. By no means is 'Brother' breaking down walls within the genre, but any avid hardcore follower will find familiar aspects with this release. It is very well produced and up to date with todays music quality, and features a guest vocalist that is relevant in Christian music in his own band, which will appeal to many. Musically the riffs are aggressive with a few fun and enjoyable breakdowns. Revivalist brings simple passionate lyrics, which at times get repetitive. But any true hardcore kid knows that's not an unfamiliar aspect of the genre. They also come off as refreshing because they are personal and experience oriented, instead of lyrically bickering about the secular world and mistreatment of Christians, which has made it's rounds within Christian hardcore music.
Not to many young bands show promise or staying power, which mostly is a product of work ethic and passion, but Revivalist doesn't lack in any. This ep shows their passion and that they have an old school hardcore work ethic, and as a bi product, an enjoyable record was produced. Given the amount of growth they have done in one year, I can't imagine them slowing down in the upcoming year.
A - [B+]- C - D - F
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