Request: ULTRA-VIVID SCENE - Rev

LP / CD 4AD records 1992



"Kurt Ralske's Ultra Vivid Scene drenches a listener with charged psychedelic folk-rock on Rev. Jangling, wailing guitars, deep basslines, and shuffling drums transport a listener to Ralske's passionate dreamy realm. Evoking heady, dark imagery in his lyrics, Ralske thankfully varies his pace and tone throughout the album. One doesn't know whether to expect a screaming guitar solo or dreamy female background vocals at any given moment. It's quite a feat that Ralske is able to stretch his catchy hooks and melodies into songs that hover and go well past the five-minute mark. That Ralske also maintains a somewhat dour vocal style, but still manages to hold a listener's rapt attention, expresses that fine songwriting and arrangements are on display. Equally successful whether it's pumping out Dark Side of the Moon-era Pink Floyd-inspired atmosphere or neo-psychedelia reminiscent of World Party, Rev is loaded with compelling songs. Sounding born of the Rolling Stones, in their vibe-heaviest mode, Rev exudes timeless tunes. Rev shows dream pop at its symbolic, aggressive zenith".
(Tim DiGravina, All-Music Guide)

"1992's Rev was a different entity to its carefully-honed predecessors. Recording as part of a three-piece rock band, Kurt kicked out the jams on a series of lengthy tracks dominated by his searing guitar leads. Despite what seemed like a promising new direction, Rev proved to be the final Ultra Vivid Scene album. Kurt subsequently concentrated on production, before returning with a new project, Cathars, in 1999. Ultra Vivid Scene's final release was the Blood And Thunder EP, featuring a single remix of the title song (drastically shortened from it's 10 minute running time on the Rev album) and three other tracks, including a superb rendition of John Cale's Winter Song".
(4ad.com)

ENJOY


Cut-Throat