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 01/2012

    VARI0US
    Django Unchained: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

  • reviewed 12/2010

    OVER THE RHINE
    The Long Surrender

  • reviewed 05/2016

    Jena Irene Asciutto
    Innocence EP

  • reviewed 02/2014

    BOY & BEAR
    Harlequin Dream

  • reviewed 04/2008

    Virginia Coalition
    Home This Year

  • reviewed 11/2011

    ATLAS SOUND
    Parallax

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.