A major challenge for a high-octane group like Reverend Horton Heat is effectively reproducing and conveying the energy of its live performance in the studio. On "Revival," Jim (Reverend Horton) Heath, Jimbo Wallace and Scott Churilla do just that, with help from front-of-house engineer Dave Allen, who
recorded and co-produced this 15-song set of psychobilly fun. From start to finish, "Revival" resembles a furious live set; one gets the impression that the entire album could have been recorded in a single take. With a few exceptions, on which somber issues like death and addiction are addressed, the content is exactly what fans will expect: slashing, high-speed odes to fun, women, cars and alcohol. Heath's often-hilarious lyrics are well-spotlighted in "Callin' in Twisted" and "New York City Girls." The first pressing of "Revival" includes a DVD with live tracks and interviews.—CW