Reverse – The Jersey Switch (2002)

reverse-jersey-switch
Reverse
The Jersey Switch
2002

Reverse are a force of nature that appreciates both the calm and the storm on The Jersey Switch. While other bands may let their fury go unchecked, Reverse unleash a controlled maelstrom that draws the listener in. Just check out “Permission”; plodding verses lead to a chorus of guitars that explode and drums that pound you into submission. Or witness the loud/quiet/loud of “Ugliest”. Or “Bright” and “Ridiculous,” with guitars that buzz and sing in supersaturated glory. Feedback and noise abound but never threaten to take over the songs. Ian Kennedy’s vocals are often soaring and distorted. Mike Piehl relentlessly smashes away behind the drum kit. The man has power and groove. There is no escape. Reverse owns you now.

Reverse proved they are one of the best bands around with The Jersey Switch. They proved it again (and topped themselves) on 2009’s Monkey Mind. And we haven’t even talked about what a monster live band they are…

Where to get it:

Reverse @ Moe’s Lounge 10.12.2012

Having Reverse play in a basement is a good way to see if the local building inspectors have been doing their job. I’m happy to report that Radio is still around with its structural integrity intact. That’s not to say that Ian Kennedy, Mike Piehl and Mike Quinn didn’t do their best to make the whole place come tumbling down in a cloud of frenetic guitar riffs, hypnotic harmonies and colossal grooves. Reverse put Moe’s Lounge to the test during Bands For Babs.

2370 @ Hi-N-Dry 5.5.2012

2370 performed at Hi-N-Dry as part of Somerville Open Studios this past weekend. Tucked down on the basement of Arts At The Armory, the trio had the kids dancing away to their live-and-looped groove.* Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t “kid’s music”. There’s nothing in what Ian Kennedy, Mike Piehl and Ed Guild are doing that is specifically geared toward children. In fact, the adults in the audience seemed to enjoy the set immensely. They just didn’t jump, shake, spin or twirl as much. It just goes to show that a great musical performance speaks to all ages.

* Seriously, there were little kids go crazy for this. My three-year-old was busting out moves I’ve never seen before.

Reverse @ Radio 2.10.2012

Reverse killed it at Radio. Reverse always kills it, no matter where they play. There were a couple of noteworthy moments I’d like to bring to your attention.

First off, I hope their new record doesn’t take as long to make as Monkey Mind did. I can’t wait that long for “Civilian” to come out. That song was electric on Friday night.

The other thing I wanted to point out was an amazing fill that Mike Piehl pulled off during “Helicopters”. It’s like the guy grew some extra limbs to pull it off. Even the usually unflappable Mike Quinn did a double take. It’s not often a drum fill elicits a cheer from the crowd, but this one certainly did. The audience is listening.