| Musical Style: Classic Rock | Produced By: |
| Record Label: Wine Skin / Retroactive | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 1974 / 2021 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 11 | Rating: 70% |
| Running Time: 32:38 |
The 1974 Wine Skin Records debut solo album of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Steve Powell, Revelation (The Party’s Over), is musically not that far removed from the self-titled debut full length of his main band Rainbow Promise released two years previous (also Wine Skin). On one hand, it maintains a similar acoustic to electronic guitar based classic rock vibe with psychedelic subtleties. On the other, it diverges in siding with a mellower soft rock side as seen in the artists affinity for acoustic guitar mixed with intermittent orchestration and piano. Remaining unchanged are Powell’s proficient songwriting abilities - both albums demonstrate his aptitude for composing accomplished material - and his stately mid-ranged to classic tenor vocal style.
In light of its mid-seventies release, Revelation (The Party’s Over) is an out of print and hard to find collectors item. Good news is that in late 2021, Retroactive Records re-mastered and re-issued it on both the CD (October 29 release) and vinyl (December 15) formats. CD version comes with a foil stamped trading card and four-panel insert, while vinyl include a 12” insert, referencing the work of Scott Waters of No Life Til Metal Graphics either way
In terms of re-mastering, I am going to repeat much of what I said in my Rainbow Promise review in that I do not own the original vinyl to offer comparison. Yes, one has to expect some thinness considering the album was recorded using production techniques from nearly fifty years ago; that said, the analog recording also lends a naturally warm sound to allow all instrumentation to stand out, crediting re-mastering of Rob Colwell (Bombworks Sound). It reminds of Thieves & Liars, whom used recording techniques from the late 60’ and early 70’s on its 2008 debut When Dreams Become Reality.
Opening cut “Gonna Take A Trip” picks up where Rainbow Promise leaves off, coordinating up-tempo acoustic guitar and periodic electric guitar over a backbone of rolling drumbeats, as does second “It Doesn’t Have To Be”, every bit bustling with a playful disposition pointing to The Beatles as mirthful bass sets the cheerful tone. Credit the artist for the layered vocal melodies building upon the commercial essence to both.
In similar vein is “Freedom” as a Gospel influenced blues rocker with laid-back electric guitars and Hammond B3 to point towards the mid-tempo. Likewise, “I Wanna Live” but the slower tempo with a dreamy and ethereal vibe to see an inviting melody and generous stretch of artists earthy lead guitar. Vocals on former hint of Larry Norman, while opening moments to latter bring to mind Resurrection Band’s “The Return” (off Awaiting Your Reply from 1978).
Coinciding is the carefree “Excites Me”, a minute long interlude in two versions: vocals cover first as artists continuously repeats ‘Jesus excites me so much”, while second is mostly instrumental in carried by fuzzy electric guitars. An immediate transition is made to “I Love Jesus” to highlight piano, accenting choirs and lyrics reciting songs title in exuberant fashion.
Turning towards the mellower and reserved is ballad-like “Revelation” with its stress on orchestration, classical guitar and high-end vocals in addition to “Psalm 61” in similar form with its fixating on piano and viola within a hymn like context. Also on the relaxed side is “The King’s Lady”, one of my albums favorites as revealed in its acoustic Country Western twang and vocals reminiscent to Phil Keaggy giving it a grand and regal flavor, and “Come Back Home”, also built in acoustically but blended with piano and orchestration of a folk like quality.
Revelation (The Party’s Over) adds up to a solid classic rock to soft rock album from Rainbow Promise front man and guitarist Steve Powell, who also plays a jack-of-all-trades role in handling drums and piano. No, the album does not rock quite consistently as Rainbow Promise but is also not without its rollicking moments, keeping in mind its mellower ballad-ish to Gospel material is nicely done. Fans of contemporaries Love Song, Phil Keaggy and Larry Norman will find a lot to like in the album. Thanks to Retroactive Records for making what amounts a long lost gem available after being out of print for literally decades.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Gonna Take A Trip” (2:54), “It Doesn’t Have To Be” (2:47), “Revelation” (3:28), “Freedom” (3:38), “I Wanna Live” (2:51), “Excites Me” (:57), “Excites Me” (1:02), “I Love Jesus” (3:26), “The King’s Lady” (3:50), “Come Back Home” (3:42), “Psalm 61” (4:02)
Musicianship
Steve Powell - Lead Vocals, Rhythm & Lead Guitar, Drums & Piano
Allan Avery - Piano & Organ
Randy Adams - Lap Steel, Bass & 2nd Guitar
Steve Carter - Percussion & Drums
Bill Basolari - Additional Orchestration
