Revolution Saints have returned with their third album and when you listen to opening track ‘When The Heartache is Gone’ you’d be forgiven for thinking that Revolution Saints had turned into Journey so strong is the melodic rock resemblance. After all the band does feature ex-Journey man Deen Castronovo (The Dead Daisies,Bad English), as well as Doug Aldrich (The Dead Daisies, Burning Rain, ex-Whitesnake, Dio), and Jack Blades (Night Ranger).
‘Price We Pay’ is even more ‘blue summer sky’ and keeps that thought perfectly and if you’re a lover of classic uplifting melodic rock with a distinct ‘80s vibe with great melodies, and exemplary musicianship then this is the album you are looking for. It’s almost as if Deen’s departure from Journey in 2015 and Doug’s from Whitesnake the year before have elevated this and the other releases they’ve been involved in ever since: though this might just be the best for both. And when you add the magic that Jack Blade brings you feel that the immense promise has all finally clicked into place on this third release.
And whilst songs like title track ‘Rise’ and ‘Higher’ have more of a harder edge that will certainly satisfy fans of the first two albums, lighter tacks like ‘Coming Home’ and ‘Talk To Me’ are just as satisfying with a feel good sound that takes you to a great place. In fact the only track that really passed me by on the first few listens was the even lighter ‘Closer’ but even that is a grower.
The album’s strongest point though is that it keeps on giving and the quality doesn’t drop off at all ‘It’s Not The End (It’s Just The Beginning)’ is a slow burning beautifully constructed Journey-like masterpiece; whilst ‘Million Miles’ delivers more of an adrenaline hit and some soaring melodies and ‘Win or Lose’ threatens to top everything that has come before!
Closing ballad ‘Eyes of a Child’, penned by Blades and Shaw/Blades band-mate Tommy Shaw (Styx, Damn Yankees), is just a wonderful song and Castronovo brings it to life beautifully.
What an album…
Line-up: Deen Castronovo: lead vocals, drums | Jack Blades: bass, vocals | Doug Aldrich: guitars
