The Revisionists: The Revisionists

Featuring members of the mid-’90s post-grunge Seattle band Tonic, the Revisionists formed out of a mutual respect for the Jam, the Clash, and the like. As such, their debut record is based in simple progressions, standard guitar sounds, and recycled choruses. There is nothing remarkable about the album outside of its dedication to the seldom-revered pop radio aspirations of late ’70s punk. Taken at face value, it’s nice enough, but ultimately derivative, repetitive, and easily forgettable. Sloan has made several infinitely superior records of a similar ilk since the early ’90s, perhaps with a little more Beatles influence to them, and still nobody has heard of them outside of Canada. From the bits of studio chatter and energy on this eponymous premiere, the Revisionists seem like decent people having a ball making a record. I wish them the best, but I can’t see this effort getting them anywhere rewarding.