For the better part of a decade, RevulsA has been blazing their own unique path through the world of Indie Rock. Founded in Warren, Michigan in 2011 the band blends multiple genres and some heavy subject matter into their own soulful groove. Through much of their tenure the group was a duo consisting of founding members Ashley Faye and Joe Kupski. She is an award-winning songwriter and vocalist with a fearless pen and a powerful voice. He is a multi-instrumentalist composer with a wildly creative flare and some seriously impressive chops.
The band debuted in 2012 with their EP “Like the Real Girls.” They spent the next few years releasing a steady string of singles that explored all corners of popular music. Their sound has been well received by fans and critics alike. In 2018 they dropped their debut album “Somnolence & Dissonance.” Over time, tracks like “Rings of Saturn,” “Dancing in the Dark”, “Digital Fine” and “Pleasure Island” received heavy rotation on both terrestrial and online independent radio stations.
In 2019 RevulsA expanded its ranks with the addition of Ethan May on the drums. The trio set to work on their sophomore album, “Creep.” Written and recorded during the dark and tumultuous year that was 2020, the album is a sonically adventurous and emotionally complex piece of work. Released on June 1, 2021, the ten song record explores themes of fear, lust, voyeurism, and commercial exploitation. Written with the backdrop of a worldwide pandemic, social upheaval and racial unrest, the chaos of that hellish year informed every note of “Creep.”
RevulsA’s sound is a wild mix of musical genres. From the opening percussive Electronic experimentation of tracks like “What 2 Do” and “Creep” to the quiet acoustic contemplation of “Goodnight Text,” the band flows freely between Rock, Pop, and R&B vibes. More often than not the different styles co-exist simultaneously to create an entirely new sound. For example, tracks like “Joshua” are equal parts 90’s Alternative and modern Indie Rock, with a healthy dose of Queen-style 70’s Art-Rock thrown in for good measure. They drop disco beats with Alt/Rock guitars (“Bad Girls”) and dig into some 80’s power chord crunch on tracks like “Lurk.”
Each player is top notch throughout the album. Kupski delivers fantastic lead guitar all over the record. “The Light ” is a particular high point. Ethan May drops one surprise after another with unexpected beats and wild syncopation that somehow works every time. At the heart of the mix is Ashley Faye with a style and confidence that is rare in both her technical prowess and artistic courage. As a singer and writer she is equally adept at the deep complex emotion of tracks like “I’ll be There in the Morning” and the cool acoustic Alt/Rock Soul of “1996.” Whether singing about sex, love or heartache, her voice is authentic and her technique is impeccable.
“Creep” is an excellent record from a smart band who knows their voice and exactly what they want it to say. Listen to the album here. And check out the behind-the-scenes video for “Joshua” below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. Follow the links below the video to connect with RevulsA. Get on their socials and get in the loop on all of the current and future projects from this deeply talented band.