Rascal Revival

Rascal Revival are a 6-piece band out of Harrisburg, PA with a full, unique sound. The band's list of instruments consists of an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, violin and saxophone. Like many musicians, their plans to record in the studio in 2020 were put on pause because of COVID, but they were able to release their latest EP, Passing Time Around back in June 2021. When listening to the EP, it’s apparent that Rascal Revival doesn’t pigeon hole themselves into one specific genre. The variety of influences heard throughout their latest release range from rock to jazz to funk to folk.

Rascal Revival starts the EP off with “For the World,” a track addressing all of the issues going on in the world today and in the past couple of years. They sum everything up in the first verse:

Some see it clear as the day, some clouded by the doubt

There's a flood of hate and love is in a draught

There's people being poisoned each and every day

Fingers being pointed each and every way

They go on to state that they “weep for the world,” which most of us could agree with right now. However, as much as we “weep for the world,” they end the song with lyrics of hope:

Despite all of this, there's hope for us you see

We can come together and for the world find peace

“For the World” is a very relatable song that starts off slow musically with an acoustic guitar, a violin, and a flute, but then kicks into a funky vibe when the sax and electric guitar join in. Part of what brings that unique sound is the violin in a mix of instruments that are more prominent in genres like jazz and funk. It’s rare to hear the violin on a funk track, but Rascal Revival makes it work.

Another highlight on the Passing Time Around EP is the thought-provoking track, “Point of View.” Rascal Revival tackles the idea that life is all about how you look at things in day to day life. Everyone has a different point of view. Some may see the glass half empty while the other side sees the glass half full. It’s your choice on how you perceive each situation.

Oh you can look at anything from which angle you choose

But you can never look away from your own point of view

When listening to “Point of View,” you may hear some slight similarities to The Beatles’ hit, “Here Comes The Sun.” This isn’t just because the sun seems to be used as a main character on both these tracks, but there are resemblances in the musical composition, too.

Rascal Revival’s EP, Passing Time Around, is full of captivating lyrics and unique sounds that you don’t hear in many bands out there right now. The combination of instruments that create the Rascal Revival’s lineup of musicians are a significant reason to give this Harrisburg-based band a listen. With only a few years under their belt, they are only going to keep improving in time and with experience. Be sure to follow Rascal Revival’s journey through all of their social media pages. - Music Meds by Mel