Reverend Red

In six years, Marshall Dymowski has built up his band Reverend Red to a national touring act. And he’s not stopping.

“With each tour, the band keeps moving forward,” he says during a phone interview from New Orleans. “We’ve had some band members leave but we continue to push forward and get music made.”

Since 2009, the Mojave Desert-based Reverend Red has built a strong foundation through stories of old rural America and murder ballads from a Western saloon. Dymowski describes the sound as “Americana psycho.”

“It’s really cool that we’ve been evolving,” he says. “On this tour though, we will put a little more country into it and make it work as a trio.”
Reverend Red
With Duane Mark & The Get Down Bandits
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15
WHERE: Sol at Santa Fe Brewing, 37 Fire Place, Santa Fe
HOW MUCH: $5 at the door

Dymowski says the people who make up the band are not only musicians but performers who create a musical experience and demand your attention and participation.

“Each one of us brings theatrics to the stage and (we) are not afraid to put ourselves out there for the audience,” he says. “Our shows have been described as captivating and mesmerizing. That works because each time we get on stage, we put our heart out there.”

Dymowski says the band usually travels with only guitar, bass and drum and will sometimes incorporate banjo or violin.

“I think the lineup that we have now is really great and all of us bring strong musicality to it,” he says. “We’ve also been working on new music, which is a lot bigger sounding, and can’t wait to get into the studio to record.”

If there’s one thing Dymowski and crew can handle it’s change.

“During the recording of the last album, we got our new drummer while we were in the studio,” he says. “Talk about learning on the fly. But it’s been great and we can’t wait to further the experience with the next album.” - Albuqurque Journal

Thursday night at the Hi Dive and I’m here to see Americana/Punk/Rockabilly band Reverend Red. It’s hard to summarize their music into one category as they have a compelling and unique sound. This is there second time at the Hi Dive, first time they were here was for the UMS.
The line up was a mix of rockabilly bands but one that stood out the most is Duane Mark. He’s a cross between Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings, which in my book is a high compliment. He has a sound that is not quite country mixed with the ballads that rockabilly is known for. His music compliments the sound that Reverend Red has, bringing a fresh sound to the Hi Dive.
Reverend Red takes the stage in an uproar and a bit of a whiskey haze. They defiantly have a different sound with a guitar, upright bass, and drums, it takes you by surprise by how big they sound and how reverent their music is. Reverend Red is headed by front man Marshall Dymowski, who says he isn’t a good front man, but really he makes the show. He is a showman, funny, serious and entertaining the way he talks about how he tends to be hard on guitars and isn’t allowed to play Duane Mark’s Fender a lot because he destroys them. His being hard on guitars is what really drives this bands all around sound. From their hard hitting ballads about death to happier tunes about love, they center themselves around one thing, making great music.
Reverend Red is a wonderful addition to American music, something that has been a bit lacking recently. Their sound is sure to be influential for other bands because they are so unique. Jack White should take a note from them that while playing from your heart and soul is a big part of it, you just have to have that drive and passion for it as well, which unfortunately for a man who brought this sound back to the fore front of music in America he has greatly been lacking of late. Reverend Red is one band I think everyone should try to catch in the New Year.
Review by: Christine Larranaga - InTune Colorado

We get many different types of musicians out here in the good old Antelope Valley. The more popular scenes are of metal, hardcore, punk, and rap. This is where the youth turn their attention. Then we have the Reverend Red, a complete musical and artistic turnaround. I'm only a mere 22 years of age and indeed my mind dwells abroad the more popular scenes of musical creation. My first Reverend Red show was at a small biker bar called the Longhorn, not at all my type of dwelling but I came nevertheless. His music is something I never came across. The strange style and lyrics and even the stage presence made this first encounter quite enjoyable. The Reverend knew exactly what he needed to do to keep the crowd going, even myself. His use of oddball instruments thrilled me the most. Most bands settle for guitars, bass, and drums but the Rev used exciting instruments such as banjo, electric violin, and an arsenal of vintage guitars.

I have no idea how to label his style of music. It's more or less along the lines of country, psychobilly, and rock genres. But the music itself just sounds deep and dark. I couldn't help but be mesmerized by his performance which reminds a lot of Sonic Youth. Fans of all types of music, I recommend checking out this man. I was captivated by him the first time and I think you will be too. Though, he is sort of a ghost, he doesn't seem to play at most popular venues. So keep a sharp eye out for any of the Rev's shows, I guarantee an eye opening performance.
~Scot Rodriguez 1/20/2010 - A.V. Hardcore

A portion of an article regarding the Denver Posts, Underground Music Showcase 2011
"Rockabilly group Reverend Red packed the Irish Rover with grungy cowboys and dreadlocked hippies alike. The three-piece band, featuring a bright red upright bass and electric banjo, lived up to the hype. Grumbling lyrics and a dirty southern blues sound delighted those in attendance. Sean Russo, an upright bass player himself, took some notes on showmanship from Myk Marquez, who threw and spun his bass around like a belle at a ball." ~Brad Roudebush - Met News