ALPHA REV

Bloom

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

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 11/2015

    Hippo Campus
    Bashful Creatures - EP

  • reviewed 01/2014

    Greg Laswell
    I Was Going To Be An Astronaut

  • reviewed 02/2008

    SHERYL CROW
    DETOURS

  • reviewed 02/2004

    Paul Kelly
    Ways and Means

  • reviewed 12/2012

    GRANDADDY
    Under the Western Freeway

  • reviewed 03/2014

    ROBBY HECHT
    Robby Hecht

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.