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Rev Gusto’s Burnt Out Friends is a hard album to review. On one hand, almost every song is good. But,
on the other, when I first heard the album, I just couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. After more than one listen, I still feel the same way—although I’m no closer
to discovering why.
The intro track, “Boys Are At It Again,” shows Rev Gusto’s penchant for the
classics, weaving a relaxing beach tune mixed with a little Beatles flair.
“Goodnight” follows up with more of the same—only with some background
clapping, which is surprisingly effective. “Click Click” sends the ultimate
message of the album, telling us to “soak the vibes in”—anyone’s definition
of a great idea—but it was here that I started to notice something lacking.
“Blood in the Bag” has a Barenaked Ladies feel to it—usually a big plus in
my book—yet this mysterious absence seemed to have an even stronger presence
here. I began analyzing more...perhaps the drums or keyboard being sluggish?
“Look Out the Window” and “Surf City/Mind in a Cage” come and go with little
memorable impact, serving as a transition into what feels like the band’s
comfort zone. Songs like “Can't Control,” “Shoot the Messenger,” and “It’s Not
Too Late” slow down rhythmically and resolve naturally at much shorter
running times—unlike some of the earlier numbers, which seem to drag out
with no direction (though they’re still good).
Yet despite the more comfortable feeling, there still seemed to be something
missing...until final track, “Suburb of Hoboken.” Gusto brings back the
clapping, adds piano, trumpet, and background voices and still manages to
project clear (and interesting) lyrics—begging the question, “Where was this
the whole album?” But what made this song feel more complete than the others?
I have no idea. Soul? Energy? Trumpet? I can’t explain it. And because of
that, I won’t say that the album is bad—because it isn’t. In fact, I would venture to
say that most people who listen to it will enjoy it.
As for me, I could
definitely listen to it again, if only for the exploration of what I feel is
missing. But if that keeps me coming back, it must mean it’s good, right?
Ed. Note: For more on Rev Gusto, you can find them on Facebook or ReverbNation.com.
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