Kingston ON-based rockers Dead Root Revival release The Controller's Exam on all digital platforms, CD and limited edition double vinyl. The sweeping, 11-song collection was produced by David Barbe (Sugar, R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers) at Chase Park Transduction Studio in Athens, Georgia, a move that DRR's creative force, singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Savage says was a dream collaboration.
He explains, “Our goal with this record was to capture the energy of our live show, and really give DRR fans something special. I think we've achieved that with The Controller's Exam. It was an incredible experience traveling down to Athens to work with David. His experience and palpable enthusiasm for doing things analogue set us at ease, and allowed us to really focus on performing to the top of our abilities.”
Along with Savage, Dead Root Revival is comprised of Tony Silvestri on keyboards, drummer Bonz Bowering and bassist Richard Piche. The Controller's Exam also features mind-bending cover art from Canadian illustrator Jeremy Bruneel.
The heart of DRR lies in their genuine musical chemistry, which draws from many points across the musical spectrum, and sometimes can shift between these influences mid-song. The result is that anyone seeing DRR live can expect a variety of moods, tempos, and dynamics that add up to a powerful concert experience. Although many might know Savage from his more folk-oriented solo output, Dead Root Revival gives him an opportunity to show off a different side of his musical personality—and more importantly to attack the strings of his signature Gibson Nighthawk.
Savage will be doing much more of that as DRR plans to hit the road in earnest in support of The Controller’s Exam and remind us of when music grabbed us by the ears, lifted us up, reached straight into our chests, and stole our hearts.
DEAD ROOT REVIVAL Live:
March 9 :: Kingston ON :: Broom Factory (SOLD OUT)
March 22 :: Belleville ON :: Shrine Hall
April 11 :: London ON :: Richmond Tavern
April 12 :: Toronto ON :: Dakota Tavern (Set Time: 7PM)
April 13 :: Sarnia ON :: Refined Fool Brewing
April 14 :: Oshawa ON :: The Atria
April 26 :: Peterborough ON :: Erben
April 27 :: Bracebridge ON :: Bracebridge Hall
May 11 :: Gananoque ON :: Gananoque Legion
May 25 :: Harrowsmith ON :: Summer Kickoff Music Festival
May 30 :: Ottawa ON :: The Rainbow (w/ Graven)
May 31 :: Wakefield QC :: Theatre Royal (w/ Graven)
June 22 :: Lyndhurst ON :: Furnace Falls Farm
