Ravenscroft is a seasoned foursome of alternative rock musicians comprising Ralph Buso (Vocals), Pat Magrath (Drums), Brett Octane, (Guitar) and Devin Baker (Bass). The band’s six song EP is set to be released January 2018. In the meantime the powerhouse unit has dropped two lead singles to whet anticipating appetites. Ravenscroft’s music is always in constant evolution. These new tracks represent the mirror of themselves, as they continue their story.
Setting the tone. Lyrically and sonically, the ballad “My Dearest One” is reflective and relatable, while the upbeat rocker, “The Chase”, is both epic and anthemic. The singles are striking examples of what the band still has to share with fans in their evolution while being true to their roots. The overall sound is somewhere unexpected, pretty different and much more textured and nuanced than we’ve ever heard from Ravenscroft’s previously.
The group works in unison as usual. They bring together their clever lyrics, big hooks and soaring melodies but there is more diversity in the sound. The songs are full of color and dynamics. They excel at blending arena-ready swagger and groove with sparkling guitar work, intense rhythms and Ralph Buso’s distinctive vocals. Ravenscroft seem to have perfected the skill of writing songs which are emotive, catchy and yet surprisingly heavy.
The latter is mainly due to Pat Magrath’s stomping drums, Devin Baker’s thumping basslines, and Brett Octane’s chugging guitar riffs which pretty much beg you to head-bang to “The Chase”, which is otherwise very radio-friendly. Cheaper speakers and headphones will suffer from this one!
No rock set is complete without a slow-building power ballad, hence, the second single “My Dearest One” comes to the rescue, to the show the softer underbelly of this otherwise hard rocking band. Unlike most modern rock groups, their ballads also have good relatable lyrics with grounded storytelling.
My rock roots go strongly back to the 70s and 80s, but I still like to look for favorable rock music in the modern day when the rare occasion permits. Ravenscroft is one of those few bands that has come out in the past few years who brings the authentic rock flavors of those past rock eras into their music spontaneously. They have that same ‘tight but loose, live feel’, the emphasis on strong melody, the big choruses and the same energy, attitude, and passion.
Their sound centers on a vigorous, empowering, never-stopping set of rock tracks that hits you fast and hard. That’s a good thing, since Ravenscroft legacy is built on such aggressive-yet-cathartic sounds, all held in place by singer Buso’s thick, soul-soaked vocals and pensive lyrics.
Listening to “The Chase” and “My Dearest One” will give you a taste of the Ravenscroft flavor before heading on to the rest of their catalog. Like their previous album “Cosmic Plan” or the single, “The Devils Concubine”.
For their genre, Ravenscroft do things right. Even their least outstanding tracks are better than most lauded bands best tracks. Not to mention that these guys really can play, and the lead singer really can sing. Now that may sound like a blatantly obvious statement, until you listen to the same amount of music in a day that I listen to. Believe me, Ravenscroft is a rarity!
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