"Red Dog Revival" a band from Heber, Utah performed at Pioneer Park in Salt Lake City last Saturday. (10/22/2011.) The performance was for the Salt Lake City version of "Occupy Wall Street." “Red Dog Revival” plays a genre of music they call "Progressive Psychedelic Butt Rock Blues." However, I think their Facebook description sells them a little short. This band is what I call refreshing to the Utah music scene. So many young local bands have focused on trying to sound too much like their influences. When it comes to "Red Dog Revival," it's obvious their listening to music created in the 60's and 70's but with their own fresh approach. It’s easy to see their influences cross multiple genres. There is a “psychedelic rock” sound but not the “drone” sound that has been flooding the local scene. They instead use their instrumental ability without subjecting themselves to sounding like a jam band and improvise in and out of arranged sections. Thus, making for a serious rock experience. After meeting with each member I was surprised to discover the humility they are blessed with. Complementing my own guitar playing instead of accepting compliments offered to them. It makes you like their band for more than just the music and keeps you interested in seeing them again.
"Red Dog Revival" has a rhythm section that makes the band worth seeing alone. The drummer plays with his toms flushed flat instead of the typical angled fashion. For those who don't understand what the benefits are to playing like this then here is a short explanation. Have you ever seen a marching band? The drummers with the exception of the bass drums have their instruments flat with their bodies. With most drummers that play a kit, you can notice that the snare is usually the only drum on the kit that is flat. This technique allows for the sticks to bounce and even crack the side of the rim. The technique makes for a more efficient and loud sound from the snare; therefore, by doing this with all the toms it can create the same desired effect. The result is a drummer with a very proficient and punchy sound that can make even the most rhythm incompetent person dance. In other words, a drummer with a “back-beat!!” The bass player holds the bottom end of the rhythm section. The bass lines are to the point and he unselfishly delivers them allowing for the crowd to move with the rhythm.
"Red Dog Revival" has a rhythm section that makes the band worth seeing alone. The drummer plays with his toms flushed flat instead of the typical angled fashion. For those who don't understand what the benefits are to playing like this then here is a short explanation. Have you ever seen a marching band? The drummers with the exception of the bass drums have their instruments flat with their bodies. With most drummers that play a kit, you can notice that the snare is usually the only drum on the kit that is flat. This technique allows for the sticks to bounce and even crack the side of the rim. The technique makes for a more efficient and loud sound from the snare; therefore, by doing this with all the toms it can create the same desired effect. The result is a drummer with a very proficient and punchy sound that can make even the most rhythm incompetent person dance. In other words, a drummer with a “back-beat!!” The bass player holds the bottom end of the rhythm section. The bass lines are to the point and he unselfishly delivers them allowing for the crowd to move with the rhythm.
With the rhythm section doing their job so well it leaves a wide-open canvas for the two guitar players to add texture and compliment each other and leave room for the bluesy vocal lines. I love the guitar riffs. Their almost traditional sounding yet they have a modern approach. The two guitar players both appear to play rhythm and lead, depending on the arrangement. The vocalist works his vocals into the textured mix resulting in a great rock n roll band that is worth checking out.
Members include, Lonnie Banton on drums, Shawn Davis on bass guitar, Samuel Dumonte on guitar, and Casey Hansen on Guitar and vocals.
