Mind Equals Blown

Written by guest writer Sarah Goodwin

The number of good bands that ex-members of Latterman have been apart of is astonishing – i.e. Shorebirds, Bridge & Tunnel, Iron Chic and now RVIVR. Fronted by Matt Canino (ex-Latterman) and Erica Freas, RVIVR recorded one of the best records of the year thus far.

This is honestly a good pop-punk album. Let’s break down that sentence. First, I mean “pop-punk” in the true sense of the term – dripping in snarky lyrics penned to catchy hooks and accentuated with just enough “woah-ohs” to get me singing along (yet not enough to make me want to gauge out my ears).  Second, I mean an album – cohesive but not redundant, with an opener, a climax and a closer that shows a certain mastery and maturity.

Clocking in at just over a half hour, RVIVR starts with a drone that builds for almost two minutes, and from there, the record bleeds one song into the next. Both Canino and Freas trade off their share of howls, and the duality between the male and female voices add a balance to the record that is rare.

Canino is clever. The lyrics are just plain smart and challenging. A personal favorite is “Do you need a change? Like a new pair of running shoes to make a quick escape before this place fucking kills you” on “Edge of Living.” I could easily point out other examples, but before long, I’d just be reciting the album verbatim.

The album peaks during tracks “Animal Hands” and “Cold in Your Bones,” before dipping back down with a short “Pause.” The subsequent tracks pick you up again, and RVIVR fades out with a sustained ring that mirrors the beginning of the record.

Just buy it.

You can purchase/listen/download the album here.