Rochester, New York singer/songwriter Brian Lindsay adds ten more rock n’ roll gems to his already impressive songwriting catalog with his fourth full length release Revival. Delivering an inspired roots-rocking record that is filled with confidence, Lindsay and his veteran band, as well as some of New York’s finest musicians, lay down styles of Americana, classic rock and singer/songwriter genres, centered around the artists’ trademark concept format. With his lyrical craftsmanship, Lindsay transports the listener to places and times with clarity, bringing a renewed sense of hope and purpose to a world, “that is long over-due for a revival.” The Brian Lindsay Band has shared the stage with The Smithereens, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Shooter Jennings, Donna the Buffalo, Poppa Chubby, The Outlaws and The Little River Band to name a few.
All songs were written and published by Brian Lindsay except where noted (which are too numerous for space to allow here, as are the many musicians that took part in the recording of Revival). The album is recommended for fans of Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison, Steve Earle, Neil Young, Elvis Costello and Warren Zevon. As you might imagine, Lindsay’s songwriting inspiration comes from many places, from his surroundings in upstate New York, to the politics of our times, and relationships and love. The opener starts with the album’s title – “Revival.” It’s a positive tune as Lindsay sings, “Times are tough, but we are stronger…after these hard times, comes another day” promising listeners that there’s always another chance for a better tomorrow. “Love Lives Here” opens with rumbling drums, Americana like guitars, and a vintage sounding organ alongside a piano melody. No doubt, I could hear the Springsteen influence on this track. Even in the darkest places of our lives, love can still live “in this black and blue heart.” The next tune, “River of Faith and Healing” switches gears and offers the listener an Americana/alt-country sound, reminiscent of Dwight Yoakam, Marty Stuart and Steve Earle, with a sprinkling of gospel coming forth from the lyrics. “Gaslight Lounge” features a straightforward, classic rock sound, in all its danceable, hip-shaking, foot tapping fun. Moving along to the next song, “Better Angels” sounds more contemporary, mixing styles of gospel, soul and rock. I think this song is a good example of Lindsay’s own unique blend of other artists’ that influence his work. “Wear and Tear” is a fun rock and roller. The shortest song on the album, this one will for sure get you on that dance floor. With boogie-woogie playing on the piano, the band plays full, loud and raw – this one’s a crowd pleaser. “American Night” is another short song and issues a commentary on the state of the U.S. “I can’t shake this American Nightmare” sings Lindsay – “if I could just slip this skin, maybe then I could fit in.” Overall, this is one of Lindsay’s harder edged numbers. “Land that Time Forget” gives the listener another take on the state of affairs in the good ‘ol U.S.A. – which I’m guessing here, Lindsay sings about how places in America, and the people within them, have been neglected for far too long. This one features the fiddle and mandolin and mixes styles of alt-country, Americana and just a bit of bluegrass perhaps. “Beautiful Scars” reminds me a little of Springsteen’s work when he left the E-Street band that first time – was it the late ‘80s, early ‘90s? Anyway, a rock-solid song with some great guitar action, too. The album’s last tune is “Reckoning Day” and it ends the album on a hopeful note. Lindsay sings about how one lover “faces the facts” at the end of a relationship, how a country must pay its debts and how eventually, “judgement shall stand.” Letting freedom ring for everyone, justice roll down like a stream and for a people to one day overcome – songs don’t get much more hopeful, or inspiring, than this. Musically, it features a big, bold sound, filled with warm guitar mood, (sounds like those sweet tones a Fender Telecaster here), ear filling drum rumbles and soulful organs. If you’re into the musical styles of Americana, roots and classic rock and enjoy artists like Bruce Springsteen, Steve Earle and the others mentioned here, I think you’ll really enjoy Brian Lindsay’s Revival.
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