Revolution Mind

Description

Revolution Mind is the sophomore album by the American hard rock band Magdalen (formerly known as Magdallan), released on ERG in 1993, a division on Essential Record Group, distributed by Brentwood Music. The album was produced by Lanny Cordola and the band. Described by Cornerstone Magazine as “heavy, groove-oriented, seventies-style, fast and loose funk rock.”

Ken Tamplin departed after the band’s first album to pursue a solo career, and Phillip Bardowell took over vocal duties. Chuck Wright would as well replace Brian Bromberg. Thus the studio project of Magdallan was turned into a full band and thus the name was changed from Magdallan to Magdalen for the band’s two studio releases.

Ken Tamplin and Magdalen’s Lanny Cordola have gone their separate ways (due to the usual “artistic differences”), and their audiences may just be the better for it. The stylistic eccentricities which each man sublimated for the continuity of the previous version of Magdallan now get a chance to bloom. Both excel at what they do best on their new projects.

Tamplin, whose musical personality was dominant on Magdallan’s ‘Big Bang‘ and in his previous band, Shout, has produced the most commercial and accessible of the two projects. ‘Tamplin‘ features a great abundance of Ken’s best-known trademarks – crunchy layered rhythm guitars and “Choir ‘O’ Ken” backing vocals. But that’s not to discount the support of Tamplin’s rhythm section; bassist Robert Kent and drummer David Raven and lead guitarist (and long-time associate) Scott Van Zen. All add enough twists, turns and depth to Tamplin’s somewhat formulaic arrangements to keep them consistently interesting, if not outstanding.

Ken seems to have a chip on his shoulder in the lyric department, though; a bit stronger of an “Us vs. Them” attitude than is really necessary. Songs such as «Dancing on a Volcano» and «When the Clock Runs Down» level the “gospel guns” at “the world.” These lyrics, while containing a kernel of truth, leave little room for grace. Despite its narrow lyrical view, ‘Tamplin’ is a first-rate album musically, with Van Zent adding fire to Tamplin’s never less-than-memorable hooks.

If you’ve followed Cordola’s work, particularly on his two solo projects, then you know to expect the unexpected. The change in spelling of the Magdalen name was no coincidence; Cordola and new partner (vocalist) Phil Bardowell meant to signal audiences that a new sound was dawning. ‘Revolution Mind’ is the more consistently entertaining album; there’s no shortage of quirky musical ideas on Cordola’s part. And as a soloist, he certainly deserves the notoriety accorded secular stars such as Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Bardowell is no slouch on vocals either, turning in several bluesy performances, no doubt inspired by his recent contribution to Cordola’s ‘Shack of Peasants‘ project. Bardowell shows equal skill, whether tackling acoustic-based numbers such as «Soul Child» and «Make It Through» or bluesy rave-ups like «Samson and Delilah» and «Baby Insane». Lyrically, Bardowell and Cordola seem resigned to the fact that, although compassion and concern are certainly called for, the world is going to go its way, no matter what. The best we can hope for, the duo seem to be saying, is to work out our individual salvation, and hope that our example makes a difference to those closest to us. If you like your lyrics and your hooks straight up, Tamplin’s your man. If you prefer a more imaginative approach, both lyrically and musically, Magdalen would seem the better choice. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, October 1993]

CD tracklist:

01. Revolution Mind – 5:03
02. Mad At The World – 5:56
03. Make It Through – 6:25
04. White Rice – 4:33
05. Soul Child – 4:11
06. Baby Insane – 4:56
07. Sad Sister Alchemy – 4:28
08. Bad Bones – 4:21
09. Waiting For The Son – 5:46
10. Samson And Delilah – 3:23
11. Bethel – 0:54
12. Caves Of Hercules – 4:58
13. American Lament – 3:57
14. Testimony – 2:20

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by ERG.