The Revivalists put on a good show at their Howlin’ Wolf E.P. release party on Friday, Sept. 19.
The band has been together for over a year and includes two Loyola students, Andrew Campanelli and George Gekas. Their sound derives from New Orleans jazz, blues, funk and modern rock. The club grooved, the drinks flowed, the crowd was high and the music was full of eclectic flavors.
The song, “Common Cents,” ventured from their funk sound to a rock song featuring guitar riffs comparable to indie super-band Broken Social Scene. The singer, David Shaw, was similar to John Mayer, while the pianist, Nick Offenberg, played a slick melody.
Next the band played their song, “Blue Lung,” a cool, funky ballad with soulful keyboards. The guitarist, Zach Feinberg, played a blues-influenced solo, and Shaw sang with a softer voice and telling lyrics.
“Reggae Tap,” was reminiscent of a Phish concert. Concert-goers were introduced to an innovatively laidback beat and a smooth bass line. Feinberg performed playfully psychedelic riffs to accompany the classic funk organ.
For an encore, the group came on first for a three-man folk song called, “Wait for the Sun.” The beat was steady and simple, and the acoustic guitar was catchy, but the dreamy folk lyrics were the real crowd pleaser.
The final song, “Concrete,” ended the show with precision. The organ and guitar players laid down a truly funky sound. The song featured the best solos of the night from Offenberg, with an old school sound, and from Gekas, with a modern, rock sound on bass.
The show ended well, and the band showed instrumental potential. A big turn out of friends and fans added to an energetic atmosphere, and the show was worth seeing.