American Revival

I think our esteemed host’s love of Wilco and Son Volt-ish music (aka alt. country) has really rubbed off on me over the last few months. Honestly, it’s struck a chord from the past, being that this genre is a part of the Minneapolis sound, and thus I find myself noticing local bands that have this style in their music. I know that the term “Minneapolis sound” has always meant Prince, The Time and related bands but to me it’s always meant The Gear Daddies, Martin Zellar, and some of the twangier tunes by the Replacements. It’s North Woods gristle and it’s always been floating around in the back of my mind as a style that should be given more prominence today.

On a recent trip to Lee’s Liquor Lounge (one of my all time favorite places to hang out in the Twin Cities), I had the pleasure of catching a local band who is carrying on this tradition quite proudly. American Revival has a sound that propels me back to those days in the late 80s and early 90s when alt. country was king. My mind is filled with dusty or snow-covered old roads (depending upon the season, of course), broken hearts, and the landscape of my home state. My heart will always belong to Her Majesty but there’s something about this style of music that is new (old) to me and I have to confess, I really love it. In many ways, it fulfills my need for melancholy.

American Revival (and Pete:)) have rekindled this spark. Check out this video of the band at a recent performance.

What is it about this music exactly that propels me in a new direction? I guess I’m not entirely sure but I know I am going to have fun finding out with this band because they are in my home town!

To purchase the American Revival EP, Honky Trash Tonky, visit their store on Reverbnation. - ick music

“American Revival greeted us on the street by the joyous blast of Rock before we even hit the door. When I approached the lady to give her my ID I could hear that the happy noise was tinged with nostalgia. The first one you notice is Thomas Pendarvis, the front man, and he’s got a crazy manic look in his eyes not quite befitting the sweet twang in his voice. I couldn’t quite hear his lyrics, but the gist was pretty much traveling, being from Arkansas, and failed relationships. Lyrically dynamic, vocally acrobatic. They ended the set on a pretty sweet two step that blurred into a crazy pop punk implosion. I was deeply impressed by American Revival. They have this very epic almost metal sound with this incredible alt country twang over it. As performers they are articulate and passionate. As musicians they are crisp and punchy. They’re clean and tight and brought the girls out. It might be interesting to see a little more grit and grime on ‘em. ”
- AEPHY.org - Claude Culotta