revel brings a blast of aural energy-hip,fusions of rock & pop
author: joe waters
these guys are true players . . revel has inventive arrangements, great execution and deliver delight to the discriminating listener . . . . revel is entertaining & accessible , but evocative and subtle . . the lead singer hits homeruns with polish & guts - just right production and an excellent audio mix makes this cd a gem.
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“Forever and Six Conversations ...” is the most satisfying of records — it sound
author: Bryan Mangieri - The Oklahoma Gazette
ReVel’s roots run deep in the metro music scene — the potent pipes of vocalist Carrie Webber can be heard elsewhere in her acoustic pairings with Charlie Rayl, but she’s not the only one who’s logged serious stage time in the Oklahoma City area: according to the band’s bio, ReVel’s five members also have appeared in The Martini Kings, Hurricane Jane, Relic, Time Machine, Tucker Road, Superfreak, Reckless, Blender, and many more bands.
Formed in late 2004, ReVel exudes crisp professionalism over 12 tracks, rendering its debut, “Forever and Six Conversations ... ” a sleek, polished production that should appeal to those who like their rock leavened with a little pop!
The lite-funk of “Wake Up” doesn’t really resemble the ponderous grooves of “Panic,” which stands in stark contrast to the bluesy, up-tempo “Reflection” — ReVel isn’t locked into a particular mood or genre, giving the band a wide-ranging appeal, one that values chops over gimmickry. “Forever and Six Conversations ...” is the most satisfying of records — it sounds just as fresh and polished on the fifth listen as it does the first!
ReVel will be performing in late September and late October at various venues in the OKC metro area. Visit www.revelband.com or www.myspace.com/revelokc for more information!
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"....You find yourself doing the 'sit-down' dance, shuffling your feet, swaying
author: Adam Scott - The Pop (Transcript Press)
Sometimes you pop a CD in for a listen, nod your head to the beat and chill out. Other times, you find yourself doing the “sit-down” dance, shuffling your feet, swaying a bit and/or tapping your toes.
The debut album “Forever and Six Conversations …” by Revel is solidly in the second category.
Even if it’s not your style, you’ll most likely wiggle around a little listening to it, even in the car.
One criticism: The band’s style ranges pretty broadly, but this is common for many debut albums.
This new band made of skilled metro-area music veterans is finding their sound, pulling their various musical perspectives into alignment and seeing what the people like to hear.
At times, this results in a choppy, jerky sound, as on the track “Turn Around,” that may turn off some listeners.
My advice? Push through it.
Tracks like the powerfully danceable “Wake Up,” the conga-augmented funky good time of “I’ll Stay,” the shamelessly indulgent (and enjoyable) ballad of uncertainty and exasperation “The Question” and the be-careful-if-you-play-this-while-driving breakneck rocker “Drive” are worth the effort.
A standout is the last track, “Struggle,” an acoustic number that really showcases singer Carrie Webber’s warm, adept voice well.
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