THE REVELING
Although fiery punk quartet The Reveling now calls the Williamsburg
neighborhood of Brooklyn home, its debut EP, 3D Radio, transmits a
much grittier, working class quality than fellow New Yorkers - or the
rest of us, for that matter - might expect. It is music for the
masses: a rousing anthem for the hoi polloi that is not without nuance
and subtlety, but still sounds best pulsing through our speakers at
top volume or in a live setting, cranked out by the band to a crowd of
sweaty, eager show goers.
The original three members of The Reveling - front man Sean Morris
(vocals, guitar), Dave Kramer (guitar, vocals) and Dennis Murphy
(bass, vocals) - have been playing together in various bands for over
ten years. And just recently in the summer of 2010 the three are
joined by their longtime friend and former band mate Brendan
MMcGroggan (drums). It's a bond that shines through in The Reveling's
cohesive nature and seemingly effortless songwriting. These four
tracks are tight and punchy as hell, propelled by a thumping bass and
somersaulting drum lines. Morris's raspy delivery seeps desperation
and grit, but the band keeps the mood upbeat with unforgettable
melodies and unexpected chord progressions. The pace is quick yet
varied, never afraid to slow down the proceedings for an enthusiastic,
almost majestic sing-along chorus like in songs such as "The Faces We
Know."
At its core, 3D Radio is a driving, brash take on mid-90's melodic
hardcore and punk, melded with the urgency of today's post-hardcore
sound. But the songs also touch on elements of roots, soul and good
old blue-collar rock 'n' roll.
While it is no doubt easy on the ears, it's certainly not your typical
three chord affair either. 3D Radio is textured and rich in melody,
and layered guitars and sweet harmonies punctuated by background "whoa
oh ohs" flesh out the band's robust sound. Still, the EP remains rough
and raw around the edges, staying true to The Reveling's proletariat
roots. There's an unmistakable swing and bounce to it, embracing
Americana-tinged spirit of forefathers like Social Distortion while
incorporating rock 'n' roll elements from punk contemporaries like The
Gaslight Anthem or The Loved Ones. It's a testament to the band's
diverse influences and backgrounds, and certainly one that makes The
Reveling's future that much more intriguing.
Selected songs are available for download, for FREE, on our
website. Just sign up to our mailing list and you will be sent a download link.