2008 Woodie Awards
Local bands open up
Inside the heads of the members of Revival and Mammoth Mardge
Jess McCauley '07
Issue date: 10/5/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Providence College has many longstanding traditions: Civ scream, eating Golden crust, and oh yeah, celebrating the Catholic faith-these distinguishing features and more are what make PC unique as a college and a community. Another tradition gracing the campus in recent years is the numerous student bands that have performed on various stages and sketchy local establishments that PC students know and love. Two bands in particular, though having very different histories, share similar ambitions both in the college music scene and beyond, choosing to refine their skills in front of our very own student body. Whether a PC staple like Revival or a band new to the scene like Mammoth Mardge, these groups are exercising their musical muscles while providing a melodic backdrop for a great time.
Initially formed during high school in Somerset, Mass., Revival cultivated its talent in the basement of drummer Ryan Fisher's basement, said lead singer J.D. Driscoll '07, the only PC student in the band. After refining their lineup to include Matt Violette at lead guitar and Chris Herndon at bass, the friends played shows in its hometown backed by the support of their friends and family. Eventually, they broke into the scene at PC when Driscoll became a freshman, playing mostly covers at places like Prime Time and Old's. A few name changes also ensued with the band finally settling on Revival.
"Revival for us essentially means the revival of great music," explained Driscoll. "A revival of the blues music that built classic rock embodies the way we put a spin on cover songs to make them our own and also influences our original songs."
Because of the musicianship of the members, Revival has made a career out of performing covers while still retaining a viable identity that sets it apart from the rest, often including original songs during any given show to display this talent.
"Our guitarist Matt could be playing guitar at Julliard or Berklee if he wanted to. Because of this, we're able to play songs, like certain Led Zeppelin or Jimi Hendrix songs, that aren't played by cover bands a lot. People respect the fact that what we play sounds great, whether it's a classic rock song or something by Pearl Jam, the Black Crowes, or Sublime," said Driscoll.
Initially formed during high school in Somerset, Mass., Revival cultivated its talent in the basement of drummer Ryan Fisher's basement, said lead singer J.D. Driscoll '07, the only PC student in the band. After refining their lineup to include Matt Violette at lead guitar and Chris Herndon at bass, the friends played shows in its hometown backed by the support of their friends and family. Eventually, they broke into the scene at PC when Driscoll became a freshman, playing mostly covers at places like Prime Time and Old's. A few name changes also ensued with the band finally settling on Revival.
"Revival for us essentially means the revival of great music," explained Driscoll. "A revival of the blues music that built classic rock embodies the way we put a spin on cover songs to make them our own and also influences our original songs."
Because of the musicianship of the members, Revival has made a career out of performing covers while still retaining a viable identity that sets it apart from the rest, often including original songs during any given show to display this talent.
"Our guitarist Matt could be playing guitar at Julliard or Berklee if he wanted to. Because of this, we're able to play songs, like certain Led Zeppelin or Jimi Hendrix songs, that aren't played by cover bands a lot. People respect the fact that what we play sounds great, whether it's a classic rock song or something by Pearl Jam, the Black Crowes, or Sublime," said Driscoll.