BURBANK, Calif. – Alpha Rev, the Austin, Texas based band led by charismatic singer-songwriter Casey McPherson, will make its major label album debut on Hollywood Records with New Morning.
Produced by David Kahne (Paul McCartney, Sublime, The Strokes), the album arrives in stores and at online retailers on April 20. Ahead of the release, Alpha Rev will hit the road, sharing the bill with Owl City on a February college tour, then playing South by Southwest in their hometown of Austin, Texas in March.
McPherson and his band mates worked with a large musical canvas to create the 11 tracks on New Morning. Moody, atmospheric and ultimately redemptive, the album examines intimate struggles with despair, isolation and faithlessness, especially in songs like “Colder Months,” “Phoenix Burn,” “Get Out” and the title track.
“The music and lyrics come from a very honest place,” McPherson said. “You realize there is a relationship between the listener and the songwriter, and you want to build on that relationship. You want to challenge, but you also want to bring people with you.”
That has never been a problem for Alpha Rev. So far the band has drawn passionate attention of fans, concert promoters and even TV producers. Their songs have been featured in television series like CW’s “Melrose Place” and Bravo’s “NYC Prep.” The band itself will make a guest appearance on ABC Family’s hit series “Greek” on March 15.
Composed of McPherson, along with Derek Dunivan (guitar), Tommy Roalson (drums), Dave Wiley (cello), Alex Dunlap (bass), Brian Lewis Batch (violin) and Derek Morris (keyboards), Alpha Rev formed in 2005 after the breakup of McPherson’s band Endochine. Alpha Rev released a debut indie CD, The Greatest Thing I Ever Learned in 2007. With two string players in the line-up, the band’s signature sound blends echoes of classical music with epochal pop and rock.
The buzz on the band has grown exponentially, with Alpha Rev ranked the No. 1 indie band from Texas and the No. 16 indie band nationwide on Myspace. In 2008, the group was named by Austin Monthly as one of the most likely local bands to succeed. After signing with Hollywood Records, Alpha Rev began recording New Morning at New York’s Avatar Studios.
The following is Alpha Rev’s upcoming tour itinerary with Owl City:
- Feb. 11 – Valparaiso, Ind. – Valparaiso University Ballroom
- Feb. 12 – Indianapolis, Pa. – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Feb. 13 – Grantham, Pa. – Brubaker Auditorium (Messiah College)
- Feb. 14 – Baltimore – University of Maryland