Revolver Modele- Revolver Modele

On Revolver Modèle's self-titled second EP, the Minneapolis 4-piece channels Joy Division through a moody and intense yet danceable blend of guitar and bass driven post-punk/wave. With four studio tracks and a live recording of a fifth song, the disc is a cacophony of simple lead guitar melodies, raucous rambling rhythm guitar, melodic driving bass, and deep vocals that sometimes fall into Ian Curtis territory.

The band's sound, while obviously incorporating elements from other influences, is often likely close enough to spark a case of déjà vu in well-versed fans of Joy Division and early New Order. I suppose that's either an impressive feat or a hindrance, depending on whether your outlook is glass-half-empty or glass-half-full. The mellow and more upbeat moody pop of "Serenade", perhaps sonically recalling "Ceremony", and the tribal drums and dark simplicity of "Artefact" are probably the most obvious examples. The opening "Audience", conversely, is the disc's bounciest, most danceable number, carried by a simple lead guitar lick and completed by a superbly intense chorus. "Closing In" is an energetic, powerful post-punk track with a spectacular mellow interlude, while "An Instant" is an excellent up-tempo theatrical offering with the bass and vocals sharing a melody against a guitar noise background.

While their main influence is glaringly obvious, Revolver Modèle's second EP is an impressive outing that proves that the band have their own voice and are far more than another clone. With plenty of emotion and energy, the band's simple yet powerful songwriting style shines through excellent performances rife with intensity. Fans of early post-punk/wave, 80s/90s goth rock, or the current crop of popular bands with similar retro post-punk sensibilities should definitely give Revolver Modèle a listen.