David Shaw, member and frontman of alt rock band The Revivalists, recently released his self-titled debut album. The 12-song LP comes just in time to be our summer favorite, dosed with a killer cocktail of soulful blues, folk and rock ‘n roll cuts! Produced by Jack Splash (a four-time GRAMMY Award-winning producer, with credits on records including Kendrick Lamar, Alicia Keys, Solange, Valerie June and St. Paul and The Broken Bones), who clearly brings his pop sensibilities to the record, as the finished hooks and riffs were made for commercial radio bliss and long toe-tappin’ drives. Coupled with Shaw’s introspective lyricism, you get an album that is not only an easy listen from track 1 – 12, but also features a depth that is rarely seen these days.
Each song is catchy, yet full of storied poetry, uncovered more by each listen.
The album can easily be enjoyed multiple times through — an audiophile’s dream! It is as singular as it is cohesive, where the tracks play into and off of each other. And, they are moving, like “Got Me Feeling Good” is just that a ‘feel good’ song, with soulful backup vocals adding volume in a way that makes you want to sing out. The expressive opener, “Promised Land”, is a heavy song that kicks off David Shaw with the weight of the world. And, “Shaken” takes us into the depths of rock ‘n roll with relatable lyrics.
During The Revivalists’ 2018 tour of their album Take Good Care, Shaw started writing and working on his solo debut. With the support of his bandmates, he wrote and recorded the new album. The NOLA-based musician positioned the new album as fresh creative outlet and still intends to stay with The Revivalists. A large part of Shaw’s work with The Revivalists includes his dedication to The Revivalists’ Rev Causes, the band’s philanthropic umbrella fund, supporting organizations dedicated to reviving and investing in local communities, health and environment. A few include Center for Disaster Philanthropy, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Songs for Kids Foundation, Upturn Arts, Everytown for Gun Safety and more.
Shaw will be joining The Revivalists on tour this year, having just announced a slew of tour dates. Due to hit the stages this summer, the band has announced reduced capacity shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on June 10th and 11th, Railbird Festival in Lexington, KY on August 28th and at The Fillmore in New Orleans on October 16th for Jazz Fest.
Shaw’s self-titled debut shines a bright a new light on the alternative rock frontman as he, per his own bio, is “following the direction of his own internal compass, riling up his raw rock ‘n roll impulse”, which only leaves us waiting and hoping for the next gem or itch that David Shaw may get for future in-between times. For more info on these shows and The Revivalists’ upcoming tour dates, visit the links below or www.therevivalists.com.
Purchase or stream ‘David Shaw’ album:
Track listing:
- Promised Land
- Shaken
- Got Me Feeling Good
- Heavy Soul
- Shiverse
- Something to This Feeling
- I’ll Be Your Man
- So Far Gone
- I Can Hear You (Calling on Me)
- Bad Side of You
- Disrepair
- The Place
David Shaw – “Got Me Feeling Good”
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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