Four Star Revival (Dayton, Ohio) is described as the world’s hottest new hard rock band having an 80’s metal sound with a modern twist. I think this is indeed the best way to present them to you. Listening to their latest work gives me some kind of sense of nostalgia.
Their debut album ‘Knights of the revival’ received enthusiastic reviews by the press. Now Jack Emrick (vocals), Benny Bodine (guitar), Ed Girard (bass) and Paul Strausburg (drums) released their brand-new EP ‘The Underdog’. The band brings us a highly entertaining five-song collection. Is it something new? Not really. Is it something revolutionary? Not to me. Is it enjoyable? Very much. Is it something I would buy? Yes.
Although 4SR has a very recognizable sound the tracks on the album are all quite different. It never becomes boring at all. Jack Emrick has an impressive voice which is in perfect harmony with the rest of the instruments. Not only can he to bring more power when this is needed, but he is also able not to exaggerate. The variation he brings on a vocal level is absolutely a surplus.
Also, Bodine succeeds in intriguing me with his mature guitar work as well. Sometimes I am taken back by his melodies, to the eighties, nineties… but when I almost feel lost in time I am suddenly brought back. Heavier, faster guitar riffs similar to thrash destroy my speakers.
‘The Underdog’ will, in my humble opinion, not become a “classic EP” but it definitely deserves respect. It is an entertaining high quality product created by a promising band. Older, more experienced hardrock fans will undoubtedly appreciate possible singalongs like ‘Broken’ and ‘The Garden of Good and Evil’.
Michiel