lazyrevs - Lazyrevs

Lazyrevs

Lazyrevs
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

Reign in that boot stomping folk rock with this talented duo of song spinners Lazyrevs’ self-titled EP Lazyrevs. The acoustic strums with no abandon, the vocals take flight and find vulnerability when appropriate. All the best ingredients of light rock, pop and even some reggae can be found within Lazyrevs’ arsenal of songs.

Three tracks might not be a lengthy impression, but they weave great stories and musical moments together at every turn. I’ve always been a fan of groups that can play in tandem with their male/female vocalists, giving new character to certain passages or entire pieces through just the trading of deeper valleys for lighter meadows.

“Down Where The River Flows” is the hands-down single and it is aptly placed first in the listing. It sets up the listener perfectly for what’s ahead, except maybe with just a little more oomph than the latter works. There’s a constant anticipation of the chorus throughout this song that begs audiences to sing along so as to make the wait pass faster. The verses are sparing and tense, but still very positive and engaging. I can see a packed honky tonk or speak easy letting their hair down to this one.  It has the catchiness of Florence + The Machine with the simplicity of The White Stripes all tied together with some old fashioned country. 

“Plan B – Peace Sign” has a great message and echoes the soul of Bob Marley, quite purposefully. It’s not true reggae, but it has the styling intact enough to play it a la Bob Dylan/Marley. I would’ve loved some quarter triplets on the snare leading into that second chorus. Oh well.

Lazyrevs close the album down with a soft ballad type tune, “The Tom Song.” It has a tinge of minor tonality making it just haunting enough to sit a little uncomfortably. The vocals are on the verge of being too thin and creating an even more creepy intention. I blame most of this on the key and progression, but to each their own. I happen to think this could have benefited a little more from a major turn around especially in the chorus. Call me a sucker for convention, however, I still appreciate their different approach and wish these guys the best of luck moving forward. They’re definitely onto something.

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