Review: New Day Revolution - Self Titled EP

New Day Revolution are a Michigan outfit, releasing their self-titled EP on June 29th of this year (2019). The first thing I thought from listening to this was something familiar though with some twists. The shouted vocals of frontman Dakota Starr are definitely something that are not common in this style of this style of rock, giving an edge to the proceedings that is refreshing. The music is modern rock with a (seeming) edge of post-grunge and hardcore metal, featuring grungey bludgeoning riffs and some funky solos. There is also a faint sound of Metalcore in there as well, but it’s not overpowering. I can also hear some hardcore style choirs in Protest Song '18, as well as a few dual guitar harmonies. 

Back to the vocals though, this is an element that definitely makes the band unique. Reminding one of almost a mix between someone like Roger Miret if he had a touch of Brian Johnson in there, it’s an interesting approach in the least. One would expect considering some of the riffs at hand for there to be a slicker, more quantized singer, but the band is refreshing in this regard at least. 

Sick Love continues the proceedings in much the same manner as the first song. Drop D tuned riffs, and 90’s influenced refrains and strains that definitely fit it right into “Active Rock” radio. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though I admit that the second song reveals a bit of a formula to the proceedings, despite the unique vocal style. The last chaotic riff of the song though definitely makes up for any shortcomings in the rest of the song.

Who’s Your God is the third song, with a slight eastern tinged riff to begin and then groove metal riffs proceed to hammer on. Definitely the most “metal” of the songs so far, complete with the double bass drums, and not so coincidentally, the best song thus far, complete with a angry political intent to the lyrics. A metalcore breakdown though does drag the song down a bit though, bearing an (unfortunately) predictable turn to the song. 

Prey has an almost Rage Against the Machine feel in the beginning, before jumping into familiar and more melodic territory. A more interesting riff and a vocal style that almost has a Scott Weiland style melody over the top proceeds to improve (as with the previous song) the EP as a whole.

So all in all, what do I think of New Day Revolution? Well they definitely have an edge with their vocals and some of their more novel riffs.  The parts that have a more commercial or formulaic sound though I have a harder time with. With such a unique vocalist and talent at hand, I’m hoping they can do more to differentiate themselves, and not capitulate too much to the Active Rock formula.


You can find more information on New Day Revolution from the following links: www.newdayrevolutionband.com
www.facebook.com/newdayrevolution