Revolver 'Wave' (Hut/Virgin, 1993) (MP3 Download)

Ultimately Revolver have been consigned to only a minor footnote in indie/alternative history books, largely forgotten when the Shoegazing scene was swept away by Grunge. It would be easy to dismiss them (and many did) as coat-tail-riders of the Scene That Celebrates Itself - mates of Slowdive but not as ethereal, not as eclectic as Chapterhouse, floppy-fringed and a bit soppy and indie-schmindie.

It has always been a great surprise that their only studio album - 'Cold Water Flat' - is a delight. They'd released a couple of good singles - 'Crimson' and 'Heaven Sent An Angel' - plus a really nice cover version of Strawberry Switchblade's 'Since Yesterday' (must remember to post that mp3 soon).

I only possess this album thanks to receiving it as a review copy and it probably wasn't top of my 'new music' listening pile at the time. However, I'm glad I did give it a spin. It's a nicely balanced collection with a maturity in its songwriting and displaying some gorgeous and unexpected touches that have allowed it to stand the test of time.

'Wave' is the closing track, riding on a jangly riff, forceful bass, sympathetic drums and some lovely flute flourishes. The lovesick (prep school) choirboy vocal style is the only out-and-out shoegazey element as the song blazes a trail of yearning, transforming into a strident, almost marching band closing section (sadly no reprise of the main melody on kazoo though).

Download Revolver 'Wave' (mp3) (Mediafire)