Local Review: Jeff Dillon and The Revival – Scenes From The End

Jeff Dillon and The Revival
Scenes From The End

Faded Sky Records
Street: 5.13.22
Jeff Dillon and The Revival = Cursive – Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Taking a dramatic turn from what I normally listen to (I’ve been on a Tina Turner kick lately—don’t fucking judge), Jeff Dillon and The Revival’s new punk-rock EP is something I am surprised to say I will not completely talk shit about. I easily picture this type of music in those transitional beach scenes you’d encounter on MTV’s Jersey Shore amid relationship drama, or maybe you’d hear this type of music at some local pub when it’s daylight and no one is talking to each other. This is a compliment—everybody wants to have their music out in the spotlight.

Dillon has an extensive background in music (over 25 years), and that is noticeable in both his vocals and guitar abilities. Accompanying Dillon in this album are Joe Drummer (drummer), Brennon Williams (bass) and Jake Lambros (lead guitar, backing vocals). One of the most memorable tracks is “The Way You Do,” with its accessible tune and coherent lyrics: “No matter how hard I try / I can’t seem to find the words / To say / What I really need to say to you / No one has ever made me / Made me feel the way / The way you do.” Clear, singable, relatable—what more do you need for a song to stick with you? Nothing!

The last song, “(As Is The Case) When Lovers Meet,” also sticks. It’s intense, with angsty riffs, purifying vocals and a melodramatic heaviness brought on by the drums, but besides these two songs, this album is not one I’d find myself going back to. As I said, this isn’t my genre, so please, kind reader, take this review with a grain of salt. Jeff Dillon and The Revival know what they are doing after 25 years of making music in SLC. It’s a well-crafted album that deserves recognition (but maybe not a Grammy). –Kassidy Waddell

Read more reviews from Kassidy Waddell:
Local Review: Marcus Koncar – Pretty Things Seldom Do
Local Review: Merakirozes – THE UNDERWORLD OF ENDLESS WANDERING