ALPHA REV

Bloom

2013-03-15

Austin based band Alpha Rev is maturing - and they know it. Hence their third album's title, Bloom. The band balances the mix of the past and present, delving into American history, the heartland, and uncovering its emotional depth. The album opener "Lexington" details the love and pain shared between loved ones, based on actual letters exchanged between soldiers and families during the Civil War. This kind of grappling with the past is met with other songs like 'Black Sky,' 'Lonely Man,' and 'When You Gonna Run,' all dealing with tragic loss. Nevertheless, the the band plays on, and refuse to let the story end in tragedy. Instrument-wise, the band is also good. Radiohead chillness to hymnal harmonies at some points, Alpha Rev certainly stretches the meaning of alternative. Perhaps band member Casey McPherson says is best, stating "To bloom implies something beautiful is going to happen, but it's a process--just like our own journeys." - jacqueline Ristola

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 04/2014

    David Pack's Napa Crossroads
    NAPA Crossroads

  • reviewed 07/2014

    LEVON HELM
    The Midnight Ramble Sessions Vol. 3

  • reviewed 11/2013

    THE UNLIKELY CANDIDATES
    Follow My Feet EP

  • reviewed 12/1969

    LOS LOBOS
    Los Lobos Goes Disney

  • reviewed 05/2006

    Bitter:Sweet
    The Mating Game

  • reviewed 02/2010

    THE DIAMOND UNDERGROUND
    Serve the Song

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.