Listening to Reactors, the new album from Shetland Folk-Rockers The Revellers, reminded me of something that happened a few years ago. I was working at my local folk festival and our Saturday headliners, False Lights, were on stage, when I noticed a trickle of people were leaving. When I smiled enquiringly at a couple heading for the exit, I was assured that there was nothing wrong, it was just a bit “loud and raw” for them. Well, if that was you, I don’t think Reactors will be your sort of album. If, on the other hand, you’re open to Folk/Hard Rock fusion, this might be worth a listen.
Reactors is The Revellers third album and comes after a gap of nine years. Their output has been described as Heavy Folk Music and with the opening track, ‘Reactor No. 4,’ we’re clearly at the point where Folk meets Punk and Metal. Meets in the manner of a multi-vehicle collision, with wailing sirens, pulsating drumming, and furious, sometimes discordant guitars. All this accompanying appropriately apocalyptic lyrics. Folk elements are present though, with fiddle and banjo joining the party later.
Powerful guitar playing opens ‘Taking Back the Day,’ but this is less heavy than the opener, with instrumental sequences that bring to mind electrified Scottish dance. When we reach the gentle, tenor guitar lament that opens ‘Where the Olives Grow’ it feels like we might be getting into a more conventional Folk album. Rockier guitar sequences, soon join in though, and it’s becoming clear that the interspersing of elements of acoustic Folk and electric rock is a key feature of The Revellers’ sound.
That continues on ‘Chrysalis,’ which opens with the fiddle playing a very Celtic tune before guitars and drums join on. Fiddle sequences continue at intervals, including a beautiful, haunting melody close to the end.
‘The Reflector’ is an interesting track, opening with banjo over a spoken word sequence, before a nice rhythmic tune develops. The lyrics talk about the flow of life, its interactions, and contradictions: “Stars reflecting in the gutter, You cannot value one without the other.” There’s poetry amid the cacophony. It ends with another spoken sentence, “Follow your heart, a moment of madness is better than a life of logic.”
A standout track, ‘Worth Fighting For,’ follows. A gentle, acoustic guitar opening gives way to a haunting fiddle sequence before the central melody develops. This is a fine track, with an anthemic tune and good solo electric guitar. The lyrics talk about the importance of making the right choices and working for the things that matter, “Dedicate and make a stand, Draw a line in the sand, Then you’ll reap reward if it’s something worth fighting for.”
In contrast ‘The Republic of Vinland,’ a reference to Shetland’s Norse heritage, has a very rocky feel that lasts right through to the last, lingering guitar note. After a gentle, and brief, acoustic opening, ‘The Tundra’ returns to acoustic Folk and Heavy Rock combining and interspersing.
The following track is unlike any others here. ‘Clearances (Prelude)’ is a reading of a poem, ‘Da Clearance’ by Shetland poet Rhoda Butler (1929-1994), over a dronelike electric setting. Written in Shetland dialect, the poem tells of villagers having their lives plunged into crises by the arrival of landlord’s agents. It concludes by asking if it was all worth it for a few extra sheep. A powerful piece.
Without pausing for breath, we launch into the final track. ‘Bystander’ is a strong finale, with an atmospheric tune that throughout seems to be building up to a crescendo. The powerful, dramatic ending doesn’t disappoint. The lyrics tell of the need to stand up and do the right thing, rather than pretending everything is well. No good comes from saying, in the words of the chorus: “I’m an innocent bystander, Standing up is not for me.” This is a theme running through Reactors, the need to make the right decisions and stand for what is right.
Reactors was recorded as live, which works well. The musicianship of the seven members of The Revellers is very accomplished throughout. For those not familiar with them, they are: Michael Anderson – lead guitar; Magnus Bradley – lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars; Daniel Gear – fiddle; John-William Halcrow – drums, vocals; Erik Peterson – mandolin, vocals; Lewie Peterson – mandolin, banjo, tenor guitar, vocals, and Adam Priest – electric and double bass.
On first listening, I found this album a bit overpowering, but it quickly grew on me. With further listening its subtleties revealed themselves amid the often crashing rhythms. Folk purists might not like it, but no album ever appeals to everyone. Many Folk lovers will enjoy it, and I think it might have cross-over potential, appealing to Hard Rock fans open to a bit of Folk.
Graham Brown
Artist website: https://www.facebook.com/therevellersshetland/?locale=en_GB
‘Taking Back The Day’ – official video:
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