Revised Observations

Hovering somewhere between punk-pop and emo, the Revisions set themselves apart from their peers in both subgenres by performing their material on acoustic instruments, and on their debut album, Revised Observations, the gambit certainly works in their favor. While Douglas Burns and Hajji Husayn's songs might have sounded rather ordinary run through a stack of Marshall amps, here the melodies are carried by the thick strum of their acoustic guitars, bringing their tuneful side to the forefront, and Burns' vocals get a chance to shine without having to compete with the buzzsaw roar of an electric band. Burns is already known for his work with the Observers and the Red Dons, and his command of the studio is obvious on Revised Observations; while the songs may be melodically simple, his performances are emotionally rich, and the rhythmic support from Husayn on acoustic bass and Derek Skokan on drums gives the tunes a drive that's effective without robbing the sessions of their intimacy. Pat Kearns' production and engineering is understated but gives the music all the space it needs, and if this is punk that doesn't rant, it does make its point with smarts and passion, and it's an impressive musical detour for Burns as well as an object lesson in how to make yourself heard without a massive P.A,.