Eclectic Revival’s Celtic Fusion Delivers a Soul-Stirring Anthem: “Cry Havoc!” Sets the Stage For Impactful Album Weight of the World
Eclectic Revival, the quartet Celtic fusion band, is pleased to announce the release of their highly anticipated new single, “Cry Havoc!” from their upcoming album Weight of the World. This bluesy, soulful lament serves as a poignant reflection on the burdens of existence while evolving into a powerful call to action, encouraging listeners to lend a helping hand and truly listen to one another.
Since its birth in 2005, Eclectic Revival has captivated audiences with its unique blend of east coast traditional, original rock and blues with a twist of Celtic tradition. The band’s diverse backgrounds in acting, stand-up comedy, and music infuse their performances with an engaging and participatory atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.
Eclectic Revival’s four-piece lineup from Brampton and Hamilton, Ontario, consists of Nick Brodie on vocals, Chris Kerba laying down Guitar, Matt Morgan on the low-end bass, and Derek Kelley dropping the beats on drums. A party of exceptionally talented musicians who draw inspiration from a wide range of musical influences, including Great Big Sea, Barenaked Ladies, Moxy Fruvous, and Mumford & Sons, among others. Their dynamic stage presence and undeniable chemistry have led them to perform at various venues, including local pubs, Renaissance Festivals, music festivals, and private events right across Canada.
The new single “Cry Havoc!” represents a departure from Eclectic Revival’s usual lighthearted fare, showcasing their growth both on and off the stage. The upcoming album, Weight of the World, encapsulates their maturation as a band that has navigated the trials and tribulations of life together. It serves as a raw and gritty exploration of a world that did not align with their youthful aspirations.
With “Cry Havoc!” as the lead single, Eclectic Revival invites listeners into a sonic journey that merges the likes of Oasis and Smashing Pumpkins, Tears for Fears with an acoustic guitar, and a hypothetical collaboration between Eagles and Roger Waters at a cozy coffee bar.
Drawing inspiration from the weight of existence, “Cry Havoc!” lyrically navigates through the depths of the human psyche, capturing the toll it takes on individuals. The song progressively builds into a passionate rallying cry, urging everyone to rise above their struggles and extend a helping hand to those in need.
Eclectic Revival’s unique blend of musical styles and heartfelt lyrics creates an unforgettable listening experience that transcends genres. With a simple chorus, lead singer Nick Brodie repeats the trials and tribulations of life.
“When your hair’s less red And your eyes less blue
And your hands don’t work like they used to do
And your constant narci-cynicism’s
Got you feeling blue?”
“Listen to me.”
“Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!
Because hard scars leave no feeling anymore.”
The band also called upon a pair of special guests to play on “Cry Havoc!.” Emily Yarascavich contributes the fiddle, while Steve Sinnicks delivers additional percussion and a low-end performance on baritone guitar. This additional talent adds an extra layer.
Eclectic Revival began their single journey at Studio A Audio Recording & Production, where production maestro Chris Colvin recorded their entire album.
As anticipation builds for the release of Eclectic Revival’s new album, Weight of the World, “Cry Havoc!” is a testament to the band’s artistic evolution and commitment to authentic storytelling. This single will resonate with old and new fans with its profound message and captivating sound.
Watch a live video for “Cry Havoc!” below and learn more about Eclectic Revival via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself?
Chris: Chris Kerba, acoustic guitar/bodhran/vocalist for Eclectic Revival. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 10. I started making music with Nick Brodie in 2005 when we met at a Renaissance Festival in Hamilton. We started Eclectic Revival that summer and haven’t looked back since.
Nick: Nick Brodie, lead vocalist, Eclectic Revival. Eclectic Revival began with a handful of friends who met performing at a Renaissance Festival, so when we started it was a lot of traditional tunes and popular covers. We’ve kind of grown and evolved since then, and I think have found, or are finding our own musical voice along the way. For sure with this song we did.
Tell us about the process of writing and recording “Cry Havoc”?
Chris: The lyrical aspect of Cry Havoc is all Nick. I’d argue that, when it comes to lyrics, I’m about as deep as a puddle. Nick showed up with lyrics and a rough idea of what he wanted to hear musically. Generally that’s where my forté is. Taking the general mood that Nick sets with his lyrics and then expressing that through music. With the help of Matt Morgan (bass), and Derek Kelly (drums) we ironed out a bluesy number that, I think, really captured the essence of the song.
When it came to recording the track, we asked our friend and colleague Steve Sinnicks to produce it. I’m a huge fan of his music. Steve is both an outspoken labour activist and a hell of a musician, and I thought he’d have both the ear and the worldview to bring out the best in this one. I wasn’t wrong. He got us to slow way down from our starting temp to where it is now. He wanted us to give the song more breathing room so that people could really get into the groove and feel the lyrics. He really helped create the mood that matched Nick’s lyrics to perfection.
Nick: Fans of the band will know that “Cry Havoc” has been around in live shows for a little bit, and took a long while to record. It was written over many years in the small amounts of time between one day job or another, and frequent evening and weekend shows for merriment, as well as money. Sometimes when you’re that busy for that long, there’s not a lot of writing time as a result. The reality of being a gigging band is that we lose many nights sleep playing into the evening (which I adore), then waking at a horrible hour in the morning to work. Or worse, COMMUTE to work. The lyrics come from this frustration I felt, that making money to survive takes time away from making music to properly be alive. It was a battle cry born of the simultaneous resignation and rage that came along with the realization that day jobs interfere with the calling to create by simply exhausting you until you can’t.
What’s it like being a musician in Hamilton (or wherever the band member filling this out lives)?
Chris: It’s tough, but I’d be fooling myself if I thought that it was just tough in Hamilton. The difference between Hamilton and other cities is the musical community and opportunities in Hamilton. Everyone pushes each other up and with events like Festival of Friends, Supercrawl and various other community events it’s quite the scene
Nick: Hamilton is one of the best, most thriving music scenes in the area, as far as I’ve seen. For us, Hamilton was the first place we ever played as a full band. We had our first home at a delightfully run-down little Irish Pub on King St. called ‘Rebel’s Rock’, and have deep roots in the Hammer. It’s various bars, halls, and music venues have always had a place for us. It was the music scene that brought me to Hamilton years ago from Brampton.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
Chris: First Canadian artist that really blew me away had to be the Barenaked Ladies. In 1997 I was involved in Scouts Canada. We were in Thunder Bay at the Canadian Jamboree and BNL was in their prime (Steven Paige was still in the group) and the show was incredible. Definitely showed me what I wanted to be when I grew up.
More recently…I can’t even name just one and a lot of them are people you may not know. Steve Sinnicks, Sean Pinchin, Steele City Rovers, Derina Harvey Band, Dan Murray…they’re all incredible performers, writers, musicians.
There’s the obvious Great Big Sea, BNL, Alanis Morissette, The Hip, and Nickleback as well.
Nick: For early Canadian Artists, Great Big Sea was a big one for me. Both sides of my family came from the UK (England, and Scotland respectively) so I was raised on a steady diet of English, Scottish, and Irish folk songs. Peppered in amongst the 80’s pop/synth scene mum liked (and I did too), and whatever my dad was currently into at the moment, which I inevitably loved regardless of genre, and the genres swung wildly.
Great Big Sea got big right around high school for me, and their music was at the same time, just like the folk songs I used to hear, and also, a complete bop! Just fun, frolic, and emotion. Wonderful!
As far as current Canadian Artists go, the ones I’m often most excited by are the artists that have come up around me, or made room on their stage for us. Erin’s Marlore, Steel City Rovers, Steve Sinnicks, Sean Pinchin, The Tartan Terrors, Derina Harvey Band, and many other wonderful, musical people we’ve guided, and been guided by over the years. The best parts of my music collection are the albums of people we know, have played with or at least seen live. We’re lucky enough to be part of a big musical extended family, and they really are the most exciting and inspiring influences!
You’ve been making music for a while now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Chris: Nick and I were talking with Steve recently about music in general and it all boils down to “just be you”. Steve said it best “You’ll never out Spirit of the West, Spirit of the West. You’ll never out Rush, Rush.” Be YOU and it’ll all come together.
Nick: Be patient, and enjoy the attempt. I am a 37-year-old man at this point. And I am still trying. If you love music, make music. Play all the covers you enjoy. Play in front of people, at open mics, or at parties (where appropriate). Play until you can play a full set. Then, look for a place that will let you do that. Learn a few more songs, until you can fill an evening with music for whatever place will have you play for them.
During all this, try and find some time, to write a song or two. About whatever is on your mind. No idea too stupid or silly. The world loves some silly. Then, play them in amongst the covers you’ve learned and played for a while now, get reactions, get feedback, refine your song, and do it again! Repeat until you have many original songs.
And now, the critical piece of advice. Don’t stop. Don’t quit. It can be difficult. It can be exhausting. But remember. The harder the conflict, the more glorious the win.
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