SAY HELLO TO THE REVOIR
Connecting to a video call 3,700 miles away (or around 6,000 kilometers, depending on whose side you’re joining from), I’m greeted by the faces and laughter of Yurick Neuman, Stephan Flores, and Shae Brokke, the guitarists, vocalists, and bassist of The Revoir. Not present, but still essential to the band is their drummer, Madee Compagne. Despite being short a member, the band’s in high spirits and it’s hard to resist joining in on their banter throughout the interview.
Much of our initial conversation revolved around the group’s upcoming work – a single called “Still Falling” and its music video, as well as an eventual album. Formed in Aruba and having recently relocated to the Netherlands, The Revoir’s new music is in a similar period of transition as its members, marked by the release of the single "Show Me” and accompanying b-side "Back Home" in January. Not only did the new songs end the band’s three-year hiatus, but they also acted as sonic deviations from their previous work. Neuman explained that the group is in the process of embracing a darker sound – inspired by the likes of Blonde Redhead and the Smashing Pumpkins – while Flores and Brokke cited additional influences from bands such as Massive Attack, Drop Nineteens, and Sneaker Pimps. All three jokingly agree about the effect of the European weather on their music, noting an increase in moodiness compared to their previous Caribbean-island life.
On the topic of recording new music, all three members expressed their excitement when I asked about improvements in recording, immediately circling to jokes about their original drum mic set up, and their original DIY studio rig creating the ultimate “wall of sound” with a single microphone. More than stylistically, the band has undergone technological developments, enough so that they’re comfortable making fun of their old processes. In Neuman’s own words, the goal of the group’s new singles (and upcoming album, by extension) is to try new ideas and see what sticks – technologically, musically, and lyrically. Despite multiple changes in lineups, the current band feels as if they’re finally ready to truly compete in the modern alternative rock scene, finding their own niche in a blend of trip-hop and shoegaze. The Revoir revealed that their new single – slated to be released May 8th – will be coupled with a house-party themed music video, which only seems to enforce their efforts within the ‘00s rock revival movement.
When my free version of Zoom threatened to end the call early, Neuman flipped the script and asked me a question instead: what was my favorite ‘Revoir project? I answered with the first song I had found them through, “Show Me”. I stumbled onto the band at a crossroads in their career, caught somewhere between what they were and what they’re still in the process of becoming. Coming back strong from their hiatus, the only direction for the group is up.
Keep in touch with The Revoir on their Instagram and their website, where they’ll be posting updates on new music, videos, and shows.