‘My Favorite Revolution’, the startlingly irresistible debut set by Arizonan Eugene Edwards is also blessed with one of the most appropriate album titles I’ve come across for some time. Few albums have given me as much pleasure recently - the songs have been spinning around my head repeatedly since the album arrived and he’s taken a tried and tested format - pop music essentially based around guitar, bass and drums - and given it a refreshing overhaul that’s a triumph of execution and simplicity. Edwards’ vocals carry a hint of early Elvis Costello, while he undeniably doffs his cap to him musically as well. Early Nick Lowe too has clearly been an influence. How refreshing it would be if Eugene Edwards could emulate their success ­ I certainly hope that he’ll be around a long time and on the evidence of his debut he certainly deserves to be. It’s much harder these days of course and had ‘My Favorite Revolution’ been released on Stiff Records during their heyday I believe the album would easily have held its ground and that a trajectory to stardom would have been almost guaranteed.

Edwards’ is a cracking guitar player too - nothing flashy or unnecessary, but he unleashes riffs, hooks and clever little embellishments as if his life depended on it. Rounded off with a crisp and clean production by Dave Peterson, ‘My Favorite Revolution’ is the complete package. Due here for a handful of shows at the end of October, having spun this superb 45 minute set at regular intervals during the summer, I’m keenly anticipating the prospect.

Geraint Jones
September 2004