New Release: REV by Rock Eupora

Fans of Nashville power pop outfit Rock Eupora may be taken aback from the cover art on the band’s fifth studio album REV. It’s an image of a headstone…is this the end of the band? A new beginning? Whatever the reason for the cover, the album is full of energized, well-written tunes that will immediately grab your attention.

Using “band” may be a bit imprecise, as Clayton Waller has recorded these albums all by his lonesome. He is a multi-instrumentalist of the highest degree. The debut release, “Blanks,” was recorded in his Starkville house during his senior year at Mississippi State. And what’s in the name Rock Eupora? Well, that college town lies about 30 miles east of Eupora, Mississippi. Roadtrips between classes? Maybe.

Rock Eupora’s blend of power pop and fuzz pop is ultra-pleasing to the ears. Waller apparently discovered these genres through bands such as Fountains of Wayne and The New Pornographers. But his commitment to mastering these sounds is evident. Playing nearly all the instruments on each of his five releases, Waller wrote with the intent of a full band to play his tunes live. And that’s what he’s been doing.

The power pop sound is obvious in the album’s lead-off track “Fell in Love for the First Time,” a straightforward rock song with enough energy to light up Music City. “Living in the Grey” continues the jet-fueled music, with madman drumming and poignant lyrics questioning Waller’s own sanity. “I had to find out for the sake of my sanity / There was no way out except for out of my own way,” he sings, attempting to solve the world’s problems starting inside his own head.

“Best Friend” tells the story of Waller’s dog Daisy, who we discover has passed. Wonderful video, heartbreaking end. If you’ve ever had a pet, or lost one, you know the feeling. “Worship You” finishes out the album with a mid-tempo rock vibe. A nice way to encapsulate the feel of a fun set of tunes.

For more information on Rock Eupora, visit the Bandcamp page.

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