Much like their sorrowful, purposeful melodies, the members of The Last
Revel contain this thick thread of self, and of place, when it comes to the
underlying trait in the sounds and scope of their intent, onstage and in the
studio - survival mode.
"Honestly, I don't know if we would've been able to do this career for as long
as we have without persistence," says guitarist Lee Henke. "By living in a
challenging place, it's definitely conditioned us to have a high tolerance for
discomfort, a certain toughness to push ahead."
That sentiment of tenacity and passion lies at the heart of The Last Revel's
latest album, Gone for Good. Produced by Trampled by Turtles lead singer
Dave Simonett, the record is a multilayered ode to the life of an artist, life on
the road, and what it means to be a human being in uncertain times.
"This is a step in our careers that feels like there's no going back," says
banjoist Ryan Acker. "There's a level of commitment now that, just a couple of
years ago, we didn't fathom we could take on. The boat is off the shore and
you can't see land anymore - we're in it now."
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Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Americana/indie-folk outfit harkens to
the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of what it means to pursue your dreams
in real time. The foundation of which is conjured by a deep appreciation and
genuine respect for the vast landscape and sometimes-harsh realities of what
it means to emerge from the Midwest.
"We grew up in the Midwest and we've all kind of stayed in this region of the
country," Henke notes. "This place has imprinted itself on who we are, and
that challenge of life here is part of who we are now."
Alongside Henke and Acker is fiddler Vinnie Donatelle. When the ensemble
finds themselves behind the microphone, it's the culmination of their vocal
talents that truly showcases the mission of The Last Revel - harmony.
"There's no better feeling [when we're singing together]," Acker says. "And it
makes you understand something primal, these melodies and these
harmonies. It's internal and it's really powerful to sing your heart out with the
people you love and your best friends."
