Soulful Asheville quintet Freeway Revival takes the stage with their passionate, positive brand of music at John and Peter’s on Feb. 23.
Their sound was born from the energy and spirit that comes from a life spent on the road, says their promoter, and the packed tour schedule they have maintained since their inception has strengthened their music. It’s a healthy mix of guitar-driven soul and rock n’ roll, with a flare of psychedelic, and complimented by four-part vocal harmonies.
After releasing an introductory self-titled EP in 2016, logging numerous tour dates, including appearances at the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam By Day and the Mountain Sports Festival, the Freeway Revival released their first full-length album titled “Revolution Road” this past fall.
The band began with twin brothers Adam and Jonathan Clayton on keys and guitar, respectively. In 2015, with the addition of singer and bassist Kenny Crowley, blazing young guitarist Tim Husk, and the John Bonham-style drumming of Cartwright Brandon, the current brotherhood was formed.
With musical influences ranging from the Allman Brothers and Little Feat to The Band, Led Zeppelin, Paul Simon, and Bob Dylan, finding their footing among the vintage rockers of the 60s and 70s may sound daunting. But after listening to songs like the poetic rock track “When It Breaks,” the funky barn-burner jam “Soul Survivor,” or the introspective soul offering “Rise,” it’s clear that the boys of the Freeway Revival are up to the task. All four members are independent songwriters who challenge each other, yet collaborate in harmony. Music is their church, and the road is their home.
The biggest proof of this is in their latest album, they say.
“A lot of it is about our personal experiences, and our portrayal of the current American landscape,” explained Crowley. “But more than that, it’s about the expression of freedom and living truthfully. It’s about being kind and authentic to others and in return taking that vibe and projecting it in our music. That’s why we called it ‘Revolution Road.’ It’s not as much a revolt against something as it is a celebration of keeping the wheels turning towards the positive things in life, now and in the future.”
“We’ve weathered some delays in terms of the recording process, all in the name of putting the best version of this vision to tape,” Adam Clayton observed. “Toss in the fact that we are on the road constantly, and it all gets a touch overwhelming. But we are extremely happy with the outcome of the record, and we tip our hat to producer Matt Hueneman who wasn’t afraid to send us back to the woodshed during the recording process in search of excellence. We’re hoping it will launch us into national success.”
With their first album under their belt, a tireless work ethic, and equal doses of faith and passion, Freeway Revival is hungry for what’s next.
You can catch Freeway Revival at John and Peter’s at 9 p.m. on Feb. 23. Tickets are $5-$10. John & Peter’s is located at 96 S. Main St. in New Hope.
Leave a Comment