deadbeat revival - deadbeat revival

Deadbeat Revival 

Deadbeat Revival
self-released; 2013

3.3 out of 5 

By Ted Rogen

It isn't too often you hear of a band coming together because of a rock-band tournament but that was the case with Deadbeat Revival. After winning the competition in 2008 some time passed and Eric Buzbee (vocals/guitar) gave Taylor Smith (guitar) a call to get the band together. They called the drummer Lewis Smith and the rest is history. It took them awhile but they released their self-titled debut album Deadbeat Revival in 2013. The music is straightforward alternative rock inspired from pop/punk band from 90’s like The Offspring and Fallout Boy. Overall, the album is largely hit or miss with some inspired moments.

The album opens with “Reflections,” which feels more like an intro than anything else. The song is about two-minutes long and ends rather abruptly. “Maybe Tomorrow (Someday)” is more indicative of what you can expect from the rest of the album. If you are into pop punk from the 90’s then this is the album that will sell you. It revolves around distorted power chords, visceral vocals and a fast BPM. “Phoenix” was one of the highlights amongst the bunch. The song has a triumphant arch that creates a large sound with a lot of energy.

“As I Wake” is a more melodic melancholy attempt at alternative rock while “Twenty Cents A Head” is pop punk 101. The contrasting vocals harmonies were a good attempt but didn’t really mesh that well. One of the vocals sounds overly serious and dramatic while the other is about an octave higher with more reverb.The arguable highlight of the album is "Shadows", which epitomizes what the band does best which is heavy and fast which reaches for great heights.

Deadbeat Revival isn’t going to knock your socks off but if you are a fan of 90’s inspired pop punk than you just found your new favorite band Deadbeat Revival. 

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