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By GREG MAKI
It’s always nice to see hard work pay off. After playing hundreds of shows across the United States as an unsigned band and selling out of their self-released EP, Anew Revolution delivers its full-length debut, Rise, on Koch Records. The band comprises former members of Unloco (vocalist/guitarist Joey Duenas) and Slaves on Dope (bassist Frank Salvaggio and drummer Rob Urbani), and has begun to build a following while on the road with the likes of Dope, Sevendust, Staind and Trapt. Lead guitarist Shaun Stockton is the unknown quantity here and a solo on the album opener, “Done,” shows he has some chops. His best work comes later on “California Burning.”
The sound is melodic hard rock along the lines of the bands with which Anew Revolution has shared stages during the last two and a half years. It’s accessible enough to find a home at rock radio without sacrificing credibility. A cover of New Order’s “True Faith” could be a big hit. Three songs from the EP—“Rise,” “Saddest Song” and “Let Go”—make the transition to this album, and as before, the title track remains the standout. It seems destined to be the band’s signature song for many years. That is not meant to disparage the other 10 songs; “Rise” is just that good.
Anew Revolution isn’t exactly revolutionary, but who is these days? |
